Indonesia, Thailand Agree to Strengthen Cooperation in Security, Economy, Food, Energy, and ASEAN Unity

President Prabowo and PM Anutin deliver a joint press statement at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday (08/03).

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed Indonesia and Thailand’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships across multiple sectors, including security, economy, food and energy security, and regional issues.

The President made the statement in a joint press statement with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul during his official visit to Indonesia at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Monday (08/03).

The President also noted that the two countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation in addressing various forms of cross-border crimes by enhancing inter-institutional and existing cooperation mechanisms and that Indonesia and Thailand will support the development of the Transnational Referral Mechanism (TRM) as a concrete measure to reinforce protection of transnational crime victims.

“We encourage the continued optimization of existing mechanisms to strengthen cooperation on security issues and defense issues, including through the Indonesia–Thailand High Level Committee and Indonesia–Thailand Security Dialogue,” he said.

The Head of State also underscored that economic cooperation remains the main pillar of the two countries’ bilateral relations, adding that the US$20 billion bilateral trade goal by 2030 is achievable through the implementation of the previously agreed-upon strategic partnership roadmap.

“We also agreed to expand investment opportunities, improve market access, and enhance partnerships among businesspeople, including by convening the Joint Trade Commission for the first time in history as a mechanism to discuss business opportunities and address various trade barriers,” he said.

The President further noted that the two countries would strengthen cooperation on food security through the development of agricultural, logistical, and food processing technologies, as well as the enhancement of supply chains.

The President added that in the energy sector, Indonesia and Thailand support the convening  of the Indonesia–Thailand Energy Forum as a platform to reinforce energy security and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.

President Prabowo Subianto also stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration in the digital economy sector, including through the use of Local Currency Transaction (LCT) to improve the efficiency of trade and investment.

“In the connectivity sector, we welcome the launch of new direct flights between Jakarta and Bangkok and between Denpasar and Phuket, which are expected to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries,” he said, adding that the neighboring countries have also committed to enhance cooperation in the development of halal industry.

President Prabowo Subianto and his Thai counterpart also exchanged views on regional and global development, with the President underscoring that Indonesia and Thailand share the same perspective on the importance of maintaining ASEAN unity and centrality as a foundation for peace and stability in the region.

Regarding the situation in Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand agreed to support the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus through inclusive dialogue, an end to violence, and improved humanitarian access.

According to the President, the two countries will continue urging ASEAN to play a constructive role in achieving lasting peace in Myanmar.

“We also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and underscored the importance of resolving conflicts through diplomatic dialogue and respect for international law,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/EP)