President Jokowi, Oz PM Meet to Discuss Strengthening Economic Cooperation, Climate Change
President Jokowi welcomes PM Anthony Albanese at Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java province (06/06). (PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)
Bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Australia has two solid foundations, including Indonesia-Australia strategic comprehensive partnership since 2018 and Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) since 2020, both of which can strengthen the cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
The statement was made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in his joint press statement with his Australian counterpart Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese after having a bilateral meeting at Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java province, Monday (06/06).
During the bilateral meeting, President Jokowi and PM Albanese discussed two major issues, namely five points of bilateral issues and international issues.
Related to the bilateral issues, the first point discussed was economic cooperation. President Jokowi emphasized that it is important to expand export access of Indonesian products to improve more added values, one of which is automotive product.
For the record, the first export of Indonesian-made completely built-up (CBU) cars to Australia started in February this year.
The second point discussed was the implementation of the IA-CEPA. The President expressed hope that job opportunities in Australia for Indonesian citizens including quota for Working Holiday Visa in Australia can be improved by five thousand participants per month.
Third, President Jokowi warmly welcomed cooperation between the two countries in education, health sectors.
“The opening of Monash University in Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD), South Tangerang is expected to improve Australian investment for the development of Indonesian human resources. I also would like to thank the Aspen Medical (Australian-based healthcare company) for the project of building 23 hospitals and 650 clinics in West Java province worth USD 1 million in 20 years,” the President said.
Fourth, the cooperation in food processing, food innovation, and supply chain sectors must continue to strengthen food security between Indonesia and Australia.
“I also underscored that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Agriculture must be implemented immediately,” President Jokowi added.
Fifth, President Jokowi and PM Albanese highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy sector, climate change.
“I greatly welcomed PM Albanese’s initiative related infrastructure and climate resilience partnership between Indonesia and Australia with an initial grant of AUD200 million. I also welcomed Fortescue Metals Group’s investment commitment in hydropower and geothermal sectors, which is worth USD10 billion and Sun Cable’s investment commitment in energy sector, which is worth USD 1.5 billion,” the President said.
Related to international issues discussed during the bilateral meeting, President Jokowi exchanged his ideas with PM Albanese about war in Ukraine, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and the strengthening of development partnership in the Pacific.
Furthermore, the President also reiterated Indonesia’s consistent position that strong partnership between the two countries can contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region.
“International principles and laws must be consistently observed. Strategic competition in the region needs to be managed properly to avoid open conflict. The culture of peace and strategic trust need to be strengthened. We also agreed to strengthen partnerships in the Pacific, especially in the sectors of climate, fisheries and agriculture,” he remarked. (TGH/UN) (AP/EP)
