Bogor, W Java (Antaranews Babel) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) along with Prime Minister (PM) Li Keqiang planted a sapling of camphor, or "Dryobalanops lanceolata," in the backyard of the Bogor Presidential Palace.
The Indonesian head of state and head of the government of China planted a camphor sapling on Monday as a sign of growing friendship between the two countries.
After a state welcome ceremony, Jokowi and Li then headed to the backyard of the Bogor Presidential Palace through the verandah of the palace.
They then walked to the park in the palace and planted a camphor sapling.
The leaders then watered the sapling with a green bucket. After planting the sapling with a few ground hoes and watering it using a water scoop, Jokowi invited Li to wash his hands.
However, as the bucket was half-filled with water, PM Li invited President Jokowi to pour it on the plant.
PM Li held up the green bucket, assisted by President Jokowi, and then poured the water together while laughing.
After watering the sapling, they shook hands and smiled for the media.
Furthermore, President Jokowi and PM Li held a bilateral meeting with the delegation and representatives of the Indonesian government in a room.
According to the Center of Plant Conservation Bogor Botanical Garden data, camphor is a type of plant belonging to the Dipterocarpaceae family.
The wood, having a strong class II-(I) and durable class III, can be utilized to make boats and roof construction poles of houses.
Camphor wood also has other economic value, as the camphor and its sap can be used for medical and cosmetic purposes.
This rare plant is usually found on the Sumatra and Borneo islands.
The planting of the sapling symbolizes the hope of both governments to make their relationship stronger and more mutually beneficial in various sectors of cooperation.
