Joint Press Conference of President of the Republic of Indonesia and Prime Minister of Australia at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday, May 15, 2025

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Prabowo Subianto)

Your Excellency Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, and Distinguished Australian Delegation;
Distinguished Coordinating Minister and Members of the Red and White Cabinet.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
May prosperity be upon us,
Syalom,
Salve,
Om swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of Virtue.

First of all, allow me, as a representative of the people of Indonesia, to warmly welcome Prime Minister Albanese and his delegation. This is a great honor for Indonesia, as this visit marks Prime Minister Albanese’s first official trip, just one day after being sworn in as Prime Minister. Once again, we express our deep appreciation for this great honor.

I would also like to congratulate Your Excellency on being re-elected as Prime Minister of Australia for a second term with one of the largest majorities in Australia’s history. On my own behalf, I would also like to express my gratitude, as Prime Minister Albanese was the first world leader to extend congratulations to me upon my election as President of the Republic of Indonesia. And, when I heard that he had won, I also called him right away—though I don’t know if I was the first.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Australia and Indonesia are destined to be neighbors, and in Indonesian culture, it is good neighbors who help us when we are in difficulty. Family may be far away, but neighbors are always beside us. That is why I am determined to maintain the best possible relations with our neighbor. And we are grateful that under the leadership of Your Excellency, Australia also views Indonesia as a close friend. Australia is not just a neighbor but also a strategic partner for Indonesia. Through this comprehensive strategic partnership, we have reached numerous bilateral agreements across various sectors, and people-to-people ties continue to grow stronger.

In today’s meeting, Prime Minister Albanese and I discussed the progress of bilateral relations between our two countries. We have agreed to continue what has been previously agreed upon in various areas. Under my administration, we will pursue the realization of the various joint commitments, including finalizing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan for the 2025–2029 period. This will align with our national transformation program, Asta Cita, and Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

In the field of defense, we are committed to completing the ratification process for the defense cooperation agreement agreed upon last year. We will also continue discussions on ways to improve and enhance cooperation in the defense sector.

In the economic sector, we are striving to strengthen economic cooperation, especially in increasing trade and investment. We also invite Australia to participate more actively in our economy. This cooperation is important, especially amid the current global economic uncertainties. In such conditions, the relations between Australia and Indonesia becomes increasingly important and will bring greater benefits to both our countries and our peoples.

Furthermore, we will work together to enhance the capacities of our farmers and MSMEs. We will also do our utmost to ensure that Indonesia’s fruit and fishery products meet international market standards, including those of Australia. To this end, we invite Australia to be directly involved in our agriculture and fisheries industries. We also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the area of food security.

Regarding the energy transition and critical minerals, we welcome the progress made in developing electric vehicle ecosystem.

In terms of people-to-people relations, we express our appreciation for Prime Minister Albanese’s previous commitment to granting five-year business visa access, as well as other visa facilitation measures for Indonesian citizens, particularly our students studying in Australia.

In foreign affairs, we extend our appreciation to Australia for supporting Indonesia’s bid to join the CPTPP and the OECD. I have conveyed Indonesia’s hope that Australia, as a key member of the OECD and the Chair of the CPTPP this year, will continue to support us.

We also express our gratitude to Australia for continuously supporting Indonesia’s participation in cooperation among countries in the South Pacific. This support means a great deal to our foreign policy.

Once again, to Your Excellency Prime Minister Albanese and your delegation, on behalf of the Indonesian nation and people, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your visit and for the honor you have given us.

We hope that in the future, Your Excellency will visit Indonesia for a longer stay—perhaps a two- or three-week holiday—and if so, I would personally accompany you. I also extend an invitation for the Prime Minister to stay at my residence in Hambalang. I will take you horseback riding.

I thank you.

(RI/MUR)