“Finland offers valuable lessons in education and human resource development. As the first country in the world to implement free school lunches, Finland can share insights to support Indonesia’s programs in education and child nutrition,” Yudhoyono said in a statement here on Friday.
Yudhoyono highlighted the newly established Infrastructure Project Facilitation Office (IPFO), a one-stop service connecting the government, investors, and partners to support financing and accelerate national infrastructure projects.
Indonesia’s infrastructure needs for 2025-2029 are estimated at around US$640 billion, yet private sector participation remains below one-third.
IPFO aims to bridge this gap by providing clear project pathways, anticipating challenges, and ensuring projects are bankable and inclusive.
“We are also promoting creative financing mechanisms, from public-private partnerships to asset optimization, to ensure that every investment create real benefits to society. Indonesia remains open to business and investment,” Yudhoyono added.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Sugiono expressed appreciation for Finland’s support in strengthening economic cooperation with Indonesia and Europe across various sectors.
He emphasized that bilateral collaboration, particularly in the economy, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and energy, should continue to grow.
Sugiono also welcomed Finland’s interest in deepening cooperation with ASEAN through the finalization of its accession to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs data, trade between Indonesia and Finland last year reached US$713 million, up 22 percent compared to trade in 2019.
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Translator: Aji, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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