German foreign minister sees Indonesia and Japan as key to business

Indonesia and Japan are key countries in Asia for the German economy, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday at the end of a four-day inaugural visit to the two countries.

"Indonesia is a good example of how we have markets around the world that we don't really see," the conservative politician said in Jakarta, after visiting a production facility belonging to German truck and bus manufacturer Daimler Truck.

Wadephul said Indonesia, a country of more than 280 million people, is developing slowly but steadily.

"We must finally recognize that there is a growing middle class and a growing number of consumers who are looking for new products and new ideas," he added.

"There is no single way to broaden your base or become independent, but rather many ways. And I believe that there are great opportunities in this region in particular."

Wadephul visits Daimler factory

Earlier, Wadephul was briefed on the work at Daimler Truck's production site in Cikarang, east of Jakarta, which opened in June. The company manufactures chassis for trucks and buses at the site.

Around 200 employees assemble almost 200 chassis every month, on a site covering 130,000 square metres, for the Indonesian market and neighbouring regions.

Daimler Truck has invested a total of €27 million ($31.4 million) in the new location. A special feature is the company's own test track, which the minister took a look at.

According to the German government, Daimler Truck is one of the few German companies that has its own production facilities in Indonesia, in addition to sales and training activities.