PM Anthony Albanese: Relationship between Indonesia and Australia Strengthening

INTI - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the improving relationship between Indonesia and Australia in various fields during the Annual Leaders' Meeting (ALM) held at the Taronga Center in Sydney on Tuesday. In a joint press statement following the meeting, President Joko Widodo expressed satisfaction with the progress of cooperation between the two countries.

President Jokowi commended the commitment shown since the previous ALM meeting in Bogor and identified several priorities for both nations. First and foremost, the focus is on building a more substantive and strategic economic partnership, particularly through joint development of electric vehicle (EV) battery production.

The President also emphasized that bilateral trade volume has increased by 90 percent since the implementation of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). This trend will be further bolstered through cooperation in recognizing each other's fisheries products, quarantine and inspection of fruits, and enhancing the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Furthermore, President Jokowi encouraged collaboration in carbon emission reduction, including the development of carbon capture and storage technology and green energy-oriented smelters in Indonesia. Lastly, concerning the construction of the new capital city, Indonesia invited Australian private sector companies and the National Capital Authority to collaborate with the State Capital Authority (IKN).

President Jokowi emphasized that Indonesia and ASEAN member states aspire for the Indo-Pacific region to be peaceful, stable, and characterized by concrete collaboration and cooperation. He appreciated Australia's support for Indonesia's leadership in ASEAN and invited Australia to strengthen partnerships in the South Pacific through trilateral cooperation and participation in the ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the relationship between Indonesia and Australia is continuously improving as partners in various fields. He highlighted the growing proximity between the two countries in terms of economics, security, and the global transition towards net-zero emissions. PM Albanese also acknowledged that Indonesia's security and stability have had a positive impact on the Indo-Pacific region, making it more prosperous, secure, and stable. ***.Hans