President Prabowo, Australian PM Albanese Agree to Enhance Multisectoral Cooperation

President Prabowo Subianto receives Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a bilateral meeting at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Thursday (05/15). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto has underscored the importance of Indonesia-Australia’s strong and mutually beneficial strategic partnership.

The President made the statement during a joint press statement with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following a series of bilateral meetings at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Thursday (05/15).

President Prabowo began his statement by congratulating his counterpart on being reelected as the Prime Minister of Australia for the second term and expressing appreciation for the visit he made just one day after the official inauguration.

“This is a huge honor for Indonesia because this is the first visit paid by Prime Minister Albanese, one day after he was inaugurated as Prime Minister. Once again, we would like to express our appreciation for this great honor,” he said.

The President stated that Indonesia and Australia are neighbors and have a close relationship historically, adding that a good neighbor is the first to help in need.

“Our family may be far away, but neighbors are always right next to us. Therefore, I intend to maintain the best relationship with our neighbors. We thank Australia under the leadership of His Honourable for seeing Indonesia as a close friend,” he said.

Furthermore, President Prabowo pointed out that Australia is also Indonesia’s strategic partner, underscoring that his administration will seek to realize various bilateral commitments, including the finalization of the Plan of Action for the 2025-2029 Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that, in his view, is in line with Indonesia’s transformation vision, the Asta Cita (eight goals of President Prabowo’s administration), and Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

In the defense sector, the two countries have agreed to complete the ratification process of the cooperation agreement agreed to last year. In the economic sector, President Prabowo has pushed for the enhancement of cooperation in trade and investment, as well as Australia’s participation, to strengthen Indonesia’s agriculture, fisheries, and MSME sectors.

“We will work together to improve the capacity of our farmers and MSMEs. We will also strive to ensure that Indonesia’s fruit and fisheries products can meet international standards, including Australia’s,” the President said.

The Head of State also highlighted cooperation in energy transition and critical minerals, including the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem, while expressing appreciation for visa access facilities provided by Australia to Indonesian citizens, particularly students.

As for foreign relations, President Prabowo expressed hope that Australia continues to support Indonesia’s membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The President also expressed appreciation for Australia’s support of Indonesia’s role in cooperation in the South Pacific region.

“This support means so much to Indonesia’s foreign politics,” he said while expressing appreciation and hope that PM Albanese can return to Indonesia for a longer stay.

“Once again, Your Honourable Prime Minister Albanese and his entourage, on behalf of the nation and people of Indonesia, I thank you for Your Honourable’s visit. We hope that Your Honourable can visit Indonesia for a longer stay, for a two or three-week vacation if possible,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/MMB)