Jakarta (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) outlined four key points aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Australia during a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne on Tuesday (03/05/2024), as conveyed in a press release from the Presidential Secretariat’s Press Bureau.
During the meeting, President Jokowi emphasized that “Australia is Indonesia and ASEAN’s strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, where we share a future and a collective responsibility to maintain stability.”
The President also welcomed the progress in the cooperation between the two countries, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Electric Vehicle Collaboration.
President Jokowi expressed his hope that the memorandum of understanding would be promptly implemented through the establishment of a joint steering committee and the development of a work plan.
“I hope the MoU can be promptly implemented through the establishment of a joint steering committee and the development of a work plan. Specifically regarding nickel, I encourage both countries to prioritize collaboration over competition,” he said.
Moreover, President Jokowi emphasized the significance of fostering collaboration within the financial services domain and unveiled intentions to establish a Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) representative office in Sydney. He warmly embraced the agreement signing between the Capital City Authority (IKN) and the National Capital Authority in February.
“I also invite the Australian private sector to participate in the development of IKN,” he added.
Secondly, President Jokowi emphasized the importance of expanding market access to create a more balanced trade. He appreciated the permission to import meat and cattle from Australia and stressed the need for cooperation in biosecurity, particularly concerning Indonesian products such as fruits and fisheries.
“Additionally, cooperation in biosecurity for Indonesian products, especially fruits and fisheries, needs to be continuously promoted, particularly in terms of inspection and quarantine,” he said.
Thirdly, in the context of people-to-people relations, President Jokowi welcomed Indonesia’s popularity as a destination for Australian students under the New Colombo Plan scheme. He invited more Australian youths to study and visit Indonesia, including learning about Indonesian culture and language.
Fourthly, President Jokowi expressed gratitude for Australia’s support during Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN last year. He hoped that cooperation and the implementation of infrastructure and energy projects would continue, and he welcomed the launch of the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy 2040.
“Hopefully, this will further strengthen economic integration between Australia and ASEAN through mutually beneficial trade and investment,” he said.
Concluding the discussion, President Joko Widodo extended a cordial invitation to PM Albanese to partake in the upcoming 10th World Water Forum in Bali.
“The presence of Your Excellency is crucial to drive concrete actions amidst the growing impacts of global climate change,” President Jokowi said.
Accompanying President Jokowi at the meeting were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, State Secretary Pratikno, Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, and Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Siswo Pramono.
