Indonesia, Thailand Deepen Cooperation on Security, Trade, and Regional Stability
President Prabowo Subianto receives a warm ceremonial welcome from Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, at the Government House of Thailand on Monday (05/19) (Photo: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed Indonesia’s strong commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Thailand during the meeting with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Government House in Bangkok on Monday (05/19).
The two leaders agreed to bolster strategic cooperation across a range of key sectors, including defense, trade, and regional and global issues.
“Indonesia and Thailand share a long-standing and profound friendship. We have maintained diplomatic relations for 75 years,” the President said during a joint press conference following the meeting.
In the field of security and defense, both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in addressing transnational challenges, including cybercrime, human trafficking, and narcotics smuggling.
The Indonesian President also expressed his appreciation for Thailand’s swift action in facilitating the repatriation of Indonesian nationals who had fallen victim to cross-border crimes.
“I would like to thank Thailand for its decisive actions in handling these matters and for assisting Indonesia in the repatriation of our citizens,” he said.
Security cooperation, the President added, will continue to be strengthened through various mechanisms, including increased inter-agency dialogues and visits, enhanced maritime collaboration, combined-military exercises, and partnerships in the defense industry.
“We will optimize platforms such as the High Level Committee and the Annual Security Dialogue,” the President noted.
On the economic front, the two leaders also reiterated their commitment to boosting bilateral trade, which currently stands at US$18 billion.
Both nations are also committed to advancing cooperation in the halal industry, digital economy, and aerospace technology.
“We are also committed to convening the First Joint Trade Commission in the near future and to strengthening cooperation between Thai investment agencies and Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, Danantara,” the President added.
Food and energy security emerged as other key areas of focus. The President welcomed Thai entities to participate in Indonesia’s energy projects and called for the revival of the Indonesia–Thailand Energy Forum this year.
At the regional and global levels, Indonesia and Thailand shared deep concern over ongoing conflicts, particularly in Palestine and Myanmar. Both countries agreed on the urgent need for a ceasefire in Palestine.
“We also call for humanitarian aid access and reiterate that the peace process must be pursued through a two-state solution,” he remarked.
The Head of State also extended his appreciation for Thailand’s role in promoting a peaceful resolution in Myanmar.
As a demonstration of support for Thailand’s global aspirations, the President pledged Indonesia’s backing for Thailand’s bid to join the BRICS group.
“We will assist in facilitating this matter,” he affirmed.
In closing his statement, President Prabowo Subianto also conveyed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Thai government, while extending a formal invitation to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and His Majesty the King of Thailand to visit Indonesia.
“We look forward to Your Excellency’s visit to Jakarta in the near future and I have also extended an invitation to His Majesty the King of Thailand to visit Indonesia,” the President concluded. (BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat) (AY/MEP)
