REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Norwegian Ambassador to Indonesia Stig Traavik said he was impressed by the ability of newly inaugurated President Joko Widodo or popularly known as Jokowi to influence the public.

"I have been very impressed with Pak Jokowi since I met him as mayor of Solo in 2012. I have also had the pleasure of promoting biking with him when he was Governor of Jakarta, and I was impressed with how close he is to the people - something I experienced many times participating in blusukan by bike," said the ambassador on Monday.

Ambassador Traavik also conveyed a warm welcome from King Harald of Norway, Prime Minister Erna Solberg, the Norwegian government and the Norwegian people to President Jokowi on his inauguration held on Monday (Oct 20).

"We look forward to working closely with him. The friendship between our nations is very strong - and a good foundation has been built in terms of business, people to people, and not least in terms of protection of the environment," he said.

According to the ambassador, Norway had pledged up to one billion USD to help implement Indonesia's plans to protect forests and reduce climate change impacts. President Jokowi's business background had also made the Norwegian companies and businessmen excited about opportunities in Indonesia.

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