“Indonesia is More than a Partner,” President Duterte Says

Indonesia-the Philippines Bilateral Meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (9/9) afternoon (Picture: Public Relations Office/Rahmat)

The President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte said that the relationship of Indonesia and the Philippines has been established for quite long and it is very valuable. “Indonesia is more than a partner. Indonesia is the Philippines’ brother. Please be sure that the Philippines really supports the efforts to develop this relationship. We are waiting for the visit of President Jokowi,” President Duterte stated in a joint press statement with President Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (9/9) afternoon.

President Duterte explained, in 1972, when he was a student, there was almost oil crisis and limitation in the Philippines. However, at that time, the Government of the Philippines got a guarantee from the Government of Indonesia that they do not need to worry if they cannot get oil from the Middle East.

“Indonesia said that the Philippines will get support from Indonesia to overcome the oil problem. It shows how Indonesia treats the Philippines like an older brother. My country really cherishes this friendship. Thank you the Republic of Indonesia,” President Duterte said.

Productive

Regarding the bilateral meeting with President Jokowi, President Duterte thought that it was very productive. “We have discussed the efforts to strengthen the bilateral meeting, including maritime cooperation, security, and law enforcement. We also have agreed to encourage effective implementation in security cooperation framework in addressing the problems between the two countries,” Duterte said.

Both countries, President Duterte added, also show their commitment in maritime as well as Sulu waters issues that become their common concern. He firmly said that as two big archipelagic countries, it is important to establish a maritime cooperation.

“We will explore this sector, particularly the development of human resources. There will be an arrangement of experts of both countries,” Duterte said while stating the meeting also discussed trade cooperation and people-to-people contact.

South China Sea

Regarding South China Sea, President Rodrigo Duterte explained that the Philippines and Indonesia showed their concern. The President affirmed that both countries support the stability of regional security, in particular to achieve peace, by abiding international law. “I want to make a progress and I thank Indonesia for its supports for the Philippines’ peace process,” Duterte said.

Concerning the threats of terrorism and extremism, President Duterte said that these are our common challenges. He firmly said that Indonesia and the Philippines have agreed to catch and process the criminals.

“We also discussed drug crimes. Together, we will do our tasks and contribute to the efforts to narcotics eradication in the framework of ASEAN community,” Duterte added.

In regards to the Philippines position that will become the Chairman of ASEAN in 2017, according to President Duterte, President Jokowi has declared his support. “We will cooperate closely with President Jokowi and will strengthen ASEAN,” President Duterte said. (UN/DNA/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)