Indonesia, Switzerland Explore Partnerships in Water, Energy, Infrastructure

Meeting with Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin, Minister AHY highlighted several areas where Indonesia sees strong potential for long-term collaboration, particularly in sectors that support the country's infrastructure and development priorities.

“We see significant potential for cooperation in three areas: integrated water and wastewater management; hydropower, energy storage, and energy system strengthening; as well as low-carbon and resilient transport and urban infrastructure,” Minister AHY said in a statement on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He said Indonesia's interest in cooperation on water management extends beyond technology transfer. He said the partnership should also include policy development, governance, financing mechanisms, institutional capacity building, and human resource development.

“Water security is one of the main themes of my visit. We want to learn how Switzerland’s experience in research and technology, governance, operations, financing, and human resources can strengthen cooperation between our two countries,” he added.

In the transportation sector, Minister AHY encouraged stronger collaboration on sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure. Switzerland’s experience in integrating transportation systems and managing public infrastructure could support Indonesia’s efforts to improve national connectivity.

He noted that such cooperation could contribute to major infrastructure initiatives, including the development of national railway networks such as Trans Sumatra, Trans Kalimantan, and Trans Sulawesi.

Minister AHY also reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for foreign investment and welcomed greater Swiss participation in strategic infrastructure projects. “Indonesia welcomes quality, long-term Swiss investment," he said.

"We are committed to maintaining an open, transparent, and predictable investment environment and stand ready to facilitate dialogue between Swiss partners and relevant institutions and enterprises in Indonesia,” he emphasized.

President Parmelin expressed support for strengthening cooperation in the proposed sectors and conveyed Switzerland’s readiness to explore further collaboration in strategic development initiatives.

Minister AHY said he hopes the discussions will lead to tangible outcomes, including clearly identified priority programs, designated focal points, and practical follow-up mechanisms that can advance cooperation between Indonesia and Switzerland.

The meeting reflects Indonesia’s broader effort to build international partnerships that support sustainable infrastructure development while addressing long-term challenges related to water resources, energy supply, and national connectivity. ***