President Jokowi Reveals Priorities on Indonesia-Australia Partnership

President Jokowi, PM Albanese during the ALM at Taronga center in Sydney, Tuesday (07/04). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (07/04) attended the 2023 Annual Leaders’ Meeting (ALM) at Taronga Center in Sydney, Australia.

President Jokowi went on to say that the partnership development between Indonesia and Australia run effectively as the two countries has held the ALM in Bogor, Indonesia last year.

On that occasion, the President announced several priorities that must be carried out by the two countries, as follows.

Firstly, the economic partnership between Indonesia and Australia must be more substantive and strategic by developing the manufacture of EV batteries.

Secondly, the Indonesia – Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) must continue to be optimized, considering that the trade volume has increased by 90 percent.

“It must continue to be optimized through mutual recognition agreement on fishery product, quarantine and inspection of fruits and vegetables, as well as improvement on the quality of MSMEs,” he said.

Thirdly, the cooperation on the development of carbon capture and storage as well as green-based smelter in Indonesia must be encouraged.

Fourthly, Indonesia called on Australian private sectors and the National Capital Authority of Australia to collaborate with the Nusantara Capital (IKN) Authority in developing the capital.

Furthermore, the Head of State noticed that peace and safe condition in Indo-Pacific region must be built by carrying out concrete collaboration.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Australian Government for supporting the Indonesia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN (in 2023). I would also call on Australia to strengthen partnership in South Pacific region through trilateral partnership and to participate in the ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (AP/MUR)