Prabowo Subianto and Anthony Albanese Strengthen Indonesia-Australia Diplomatic Ties in Peru

Jakarta, INTI - On Thursday, November 14, 2024, President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, received a courtesy visit from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Lima, Peru. This visit marked an important moment for both nations to strengthen diplomatic relations and enhance cooperation in various strategic fields, including agriculture, education, healthcare, and other mutually beneficial sectors.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for both leaders to discuss broader global geopolitical issues, particularly regarding the roles of Indonesia and Australia in the international arena. President Prabowo, who recently conducted his first overseas visit to China and the United States (US), received high praise from PM Albanese for this move, which is seen as signaling Indonesia’s increasingly active role on the global stage.

The Importance of Indonesia-Australia Cooperation

During the meeting, Prime Minister Albanese expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s foreign policy, especially President Prabowo’s visit to two major global powers, China and the US. According to PM Albanese, this step highlighted Indonesia’s strategic position amid global geopolitical tensions.

"I want to see more cooperation between our two countries. I hope that this relationship will only grow stronger in the future," said PM Albanese with confidence.

This statement reflects PM Albanese’s hopes for closer Indonesia-Australia relations, particularly in sectors of shared concern, such as agriculture, education, and healthcare. Both nations see these sectors as key areas for expanding and deepening their bilateral relationship, emphasizing collaboration that brings mutual benefits.

Reaffirming the Friendship and Commitment between Indonesia and Australia

President Prabowo Subianto warmly welcomed Prime Minister Albanese’s remarks and reaffirmed the importance of the friendship between Indonesia and Australia. As close neighbors and good friends, Indonesia is committed to continually enhancing cooperation with Australia in various areas, including economic, political, and social relations.

"We consider Australia as a close friend of Indonesia. We want to further strengthen our cooperation in various sectors, including Australia’s participation in Indonesia’s economy," President Prabowo stated.

He also emphasized that the relationship between the two countries has been well managed over the years, and Indonesia hopes to continue improving this partnership, not only in economic terms but also in other sectors such as education, culture, and technology.

Australia’s Role in Indonesia’s Economy

One of the key sectors discussed during the meeting was Australia’s increasing role in Indonesia’s economy. Australia has long been one of Indonesia’s main trading partners. However, with Indonesia’s rapidly growing economy, particularly in sectors such as digitalization and infrastructure, there is still plenty of room for enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

According to data from Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Indonesia-Australia trade reached over USD 11.5 billion in 2023. Indonesia’s exports to Australia are mainly dominated by agricultural commodities and raw materials, while imports from Australia primarily consist of capital goods and technology. These figures show that although the two countries already have significant trade relations, there is still potential for further cooperation, especially in more modern sectors such as technology and renewable energy.

Agriculture and Food Security

In the field of agriculture, Indonesia and Australia have a great opportunity to support each other. Indonesia, being an agrarian country with a rapidly growing population, requires technology and knowledge to improve food production efficiency. Meanwhile, Australia, with its long-standing experience in agricultural technology, can assist Indonesia in improving food security and achieving sustainable food self-sufficiency.

One example of existing cooperation between the two countries is the Agricultural Partnership Program, which facilitates knowledge and technology exchange, particularly in water management and pest control. This program has already proven beneficial to Indonesian farmers, with results showing increased productivity and the quality of agricultural outputs.

Education and Innovation Cooperation

In addition to agriculture, education and scientific research were also major topics of discussion between President Prabowo and PM Albanese. Both countries agreed to continue strengthening cooperation in human resource development. Australia, with its reputation as a leading center for higher education in the Asia-Pacific region, offers numerous opportunities for Indonesian students to pursue studies at its top universities.

In 2023, approximately 18,000 Indonesian students were enrolled in Australian universities, and this number is expected to continue growing as academic collaboration opportunities expand. Furthermore, both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in research and innovation, particularly in emerging technologies and renewable energy, which are key global priorities.

Global Health: Cooperation in Pandemic Response and Infectious Diseases

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of international cooperation in health, and Indonesia and Australia are committed to working together to tackle global health challenges in the future. Both countries agreed to enhance collaboration in controlling infectious diseases, vaccine development, and improving healthcare facilities for their populations.

Australia has provided significant assistance to Indonesia in pandemic response efforts, including funding and technical support, as well as helping build better healthcare infrastructure. Both countries also agreed to strengthen the global health system to address potential future pandemics.

Renewable Energy Cooperation

Climate change and energy transition were also key topics discussed during the meeting. Both nations agreed to continue enhancing cooperation in the field of renewable energy, particularly in the development of clean energy technologies. Australia, with its expertise in renewable energy, can make a significant contribution to supporting Indonesia in achieving its carbon reduction targets and transitioning to clean energy.

As one of the world’s largest carbon emitters, Indonesia faces significant challenges in addressing climate change. Therefore, cooperation in the development of renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and bioenergy, is critical for both countries.

Ensuring Global Security and Political Stability

Not only in economic and social fields, but Indonesia-Australia cooperation also involves political and global security issues. Both countries share common interests in maintaining security stability in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in the face of threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and climate change, which can trigger tensions in the region.

Indonesia and Australia also collaborate in various international forums, including ASEAN, G20, and the United Nations, to strengthen global peace and security. President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia is committed to continuing to strengthen diplomatic ties with Australia in maintaining regional and global stability.

The meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Lima, Peru, on November 14, 2024, underscores the importance of a close relationship between Indonesia and Australia. Both countries have vast potential to strengthen cooperation in various strategic areas, including agriculture, education, healthcare, and renewable energy. With strong commitments from both leaders, Indonesia and Australia are ready to face global challenges together and create a safer, more prosperous, and sustainable world.