Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Good morning,
May peace be upon us all.

Today, a limited delegation and I will depart for Melbourne, Australia to attend the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. The Summit is held to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of ASEAN-Australia partnership. Adopting the theme “Partnership for the Future”, the Summit will discuss how to optimize ASEAN-Australia comprehensive and strategic partnership in order to realize a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

I will take this opportunity to continue pushing for the strengthening of economic integration, energy transition, and digital transformation, as well as constantly encouraging the advancement of collaboration and respect for international law, including on the Palestinian issue.

Beside the ASEAN-Australia Summit, I will also have bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Australia, Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Prime Minister of Cambodia. The entourage and I will return to Jakarta on Wednesday, March the 6^th. Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Journalist
(Inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
There’s a lot. Well, we will keep pushing for cooperation on electric vehicle and encourage it to be implemented as soon as possible. The same applies to digital transformation cooperation. That is our aim.

Journalist
Sir, will you discuss cooperation on defense with PM Albanese which issue had been already discussed by Pak Prabowo at the Ministry of Defense? Could you elaborate the cooperation? Will the agreement likely be reached soon?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, we will touch on that issue but I don’t know the details of the discussion. However, we will discuss it.

Journalist
(Raises a question regarding the Nusantara Capital (IKN))

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I’ve always mentioned it every time I met with prime ministers, presidents, or others.

Journalist
(Raises a question regarding rice)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Ahead of Eid al-Fitr, preparation related to the availability of staple food is crucial. As for rice, I think we have enough stock. As for other commodities, I will check the stock on the ground. However, you can check the price of rice in traditional markets. The price has declined in Cipinang Market or in Johar Market in Karawang.

We hope, as the harvest season starts next month, the price will be lower. I have also received a report that the price of unhusked rice has gone down but the decline should not be drastic since farmers must still earn profits from it.

Journalist
(Raises a question regarding fuel)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
First, statement regarding fuel will be delivered by the Coordinating Minister or Pertamina (representative).

Journalist
Will the price increase?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No, but the one who will made the statement will be Pertamina.

Journalist
(Inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Since it is party-related matter, please ask the party. Ask the KPU (the General Elections Commission).

Journalist
(Inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Ask the House the Representatives. It’s their business.

Journalist
(Raises a question regarding rice price)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
You can visit and check the price at Cipinang Rice Market and other rice market, Johar Karawang Market. You can see the price has declined though it does not represent prices in all provinces throughout the country. Try checking it. Check it directly, don’t ask me. Even though I know that every day the price goes up and down, but please don’t keep asking me. Check it by yourself, go there.

That’s all. Thank you.

(RAS/MMB)