JAKARTA – The U.S. Embassy announced a new partnership between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) on global priorities, including food security and the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. This new cooperation is in support of the U.S.-Indonesian Comprehensive Partnership, inaugurated by Presidents Barack Obama and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2010 to increase cooperation and deepen ties between the two nations.

“The United States is proud to enter into a new partnership with KADIN and lay the groundwork for future collaboration with Indonesian businesses,” said U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel. “Increased linkages between the United States and Indonesian businesses help strengthen both of our economies, provide jobs, and improve livelihoods. The more we work together and exchange ideas, goods, and people between our two countries, the more we will both benefit.” 

Last month, USAID worked with KADIN on a trade show in Jakarta promoting sustainable fisheries. Looking forward, the United States and KADIN will expand cooperation to improve access to food, further open markets to trade, and increase productivity and sustainability in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. 

The first shared project of the new partnership will increase access to credit and crop insurance for Indonesian farmers. Access to credit will enable farmers to invest in their land and purchase improved materials. Crop insurance will protect farmers’ investments by providing a payout in case of crop failure. 

The USAID-KADIN partnership will also engage the private sector on the “Blue Economy,” an initiative announced by President Yudhoyono at the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) that leverages sustainable ocean-based economic development to drive income, food, and business opportunities. The United States already works with Indonesia on a number of “Blue Economy” programs across multiple sectors. Notably, USAID programs contribute over $30 million to optimize economic returns through sustainable management linked with conservation of marine resources.