Indonesia Explores Possible Healthcare Partnership with Japan

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Erick Thohir is exploring options to expand Indonesia-Japan relations through the establishment of a special economic zone (SEZ) on healthcare.

Through the healthcare SEZ, Indonesia’s Minister of State-Owned Enterprises seeks to focus on new technology, improve healthcare workers’ capacity, and involve Japan in the overall development process.

Other sectors that Erick seeks to include in a possible new show of Indonesia-Japan relations is a partnership in the development of millennial housing, EV Battery industrial development, and investments in national infrastructure projects.

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“Japan is well-known for its advanced healthcare industry. As an example, I was impressed by the Covid-19 tests carried out by the Japanese government at the airport. A saliva sample was sufficient for their Covid-19 test rather than the nasal swab.”

Erick added that the Covid-19 tests offered in Japan require less than an hour’s time before the individual receives the result proven to be highly accurate.

“I would like for this type of technology to be used at the airports operated by Angkasa Pura I and Angkasa Pura II. Imagine the impact it would have on our economic recovery.”

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During his visit, Erick also saw the PCR test technology developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries for rapid tests and contact tracing of Covid-19 patients using robotic technology.

Indonesia’s State-Owned Enterprises Minister also visited the renowned Mitsui Healthcare company that has invested in hospitals in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.

He believes that Bali has immense potential to be shaped as an SEZ on healthcare in Indonesia that would open new investment opportunities in the sector namely in establishing a world-class healthcare facility.

“We see a huge potential in medical and fitness tourism for incoming travelers, specifically in Bali. The resort area of Sanur in Bali, for example, has become a top destination among senior travelers, thus having a distinct positioning than other regions.”

Throughout his visit, Erick attended back-to-back meetings with government representatives and members of the business community in a bid to elevate Indonesia-Japan relations.

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Erick met several financial institutions in Japan to discuss the potential of Japanese direct investment in supporting state-owned enterprises’ infrastructure projects such as toll roads, ports, and airports.

He met with representatives of IIDA Group Holding and Daiwa House to discuss possible cooperation in establishing an integrated housing complex for millennials including mass transportation services.

Through such projects, Erick Thohir strives to build on Indonesia-Japan relations by creating an eco-friendly and energy-efficient housing development for the next generation of Indonesians.

(Writer: Mutia Fauzia | Editor: Erlangga Djumena)

Source: https://money.kompas.com/read/2020/11/07/203500326/sambangi-jepang-erick-thohir-jajaki-kerja-sama-kek-kesehatan