Indonesia, Australia Agree to Enhance People-to-People Contact

President Jokowi receives a state visit from Governor-General of Australia David Hurley at Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java, Friday (05/17) (PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Oji)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Friday (05/17) received a state visit from the Governor-General of Australia David Hurley at Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java province.

At the meeting, President Jokowi and the Governor-General discussed the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, especially enhancing people-to-people contact.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said that the main issue is strengthening English and Indonesian language teaching and learning to bridge cultural differences between the two countries.

“We are sure that language can serve as ‘bridge’ to enhance people-to-people contact,” Retno said in her press statement.

For the record, Governor-General David Hurley is also one of the founders of the Indonesia-Australia Defense Alumni Association and has been active in various initiatives including youth exchanges and interfaith dialogues. The meeting also discussed preparations for this year’s interfaith dialogue in Australia.

“We are preparing for the Second Interfaith Dialogue in Australia this year,” said the Foreign Minister.

Furthermore, the meeting marks the commemoration of 75 years of Indonesia-Australia diplomatic relations and 50 years of ASEAN-Australia relations. Both the President and the Governor-General expressed hope to continue strengthening and enhancing people-to-people contact between the two countries. (KS/UN) (AP/LW)