Prabowo Subianto Secures Strategic Cooperation Commitment in Bilateral Meeting with PM Keir Starmer in the UK

London, INTI – During his official visit to the United Kingdom, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Prime Minister’s office at 10 Downing Street on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The meeting was a pivotal moment for strengthening the bilateral ties and strategic cooperation between Indonesia and the UK, focusing on key sectors such as economy, fisheries, education, healthcare, and defense.

A New Chapter in Indonesia-UK Relations

The meeting began with a warm reception from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who expressed his deep respect and pride in welcoming President Prabowo to his office. “It is a great honor to receive you here. We already met earlier this week, but it’s a privilege to host you at Downing Street. Thank you very much,” said Prime Minister Starmer enthusiastically.

President Prabowo reciprocated the warmth, acknowledging the significance of visiting one of the most iconic political locations in the UK. “It is a great honor for me to finally see the inside of Downing Street,” President Prabowo remarked during the meeting.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of the growing relationship between Indonesia and the UK, with both leaders underscoring the commitment to further enhance their cooperation in various fields. According to Prime Minister Starmer, the cooperation between both countries has been going well, and he expressed confidence in the future potential of their strategic collaboration. “We have already worked together as nations, and I am confident there are many strategic opportunities that we can explore here,” he said.

Commitment to Cooperation Across Key Sectors

One of the primary topics discussed during the meeting was the potential for deepening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in vital sectors that have become pillars of Indonesia’s development strategy. President Prabowo highlighted the UK’s interest in collaborating with Indonesia in several key areas, including the economy, fisheries, education, healthcare, and defense.

“The UK is interested in assisting us in several areas, including the economy, fisheries, education, healthcare, and defense,” President Prabowo stated in a separate media briefing following the meeting. This sets the stage for comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation in these sectors, reflecting the UK’s commitment to contributing to Indonesia's development.

Economic Sector: A Strong Foundation for Growth and Investment

The economic sector was one of the central topics of discussion during the meeting. Both leaders recognized the vast potential for furthering their trade and investment relations. Indonesia, as the largest economy in Southeast Asia with a growing middle class and strategic positioning in the global market, continues to be an attractive destination for international investors, including those from the UK.

As of the third quarter of 2024, Indonesia attracted a foreign direct investment (FDI) of $32.2 billion, marking a 14% increase compared to the previous year, according to data from Indonesia's Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). This growth was particularly driven by investments in key sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that the UK sees immense opportunities in sectors such as green energy, technology, and digital industries, which are vital to both countries’ future economic growth. “We see great potential in these sectors and hope to collaborate more closely with Indonesia,” he said. President Prabowo acknowledged the importance of these investments, stressing that the collaboration would help further drive Indonesia’s economic transformation, creating more jobs and boosting innovation.

Fisheries: Ensuring Sustainable Resource Management

Fisheries emerged as another significant area of collaboration. Indonesia, with its vast maritime resources, is a global leader in the fisheries sector, and both countries recognized the importance of sustainable management of these resources. President Prabowo explained that Indonesia is committed to protecting its marine ecosystems, and the UK’s expertise could be invaluable in ensuring the sustainability of Indonesia's fisheries.

The UK, with its advanced technology in marine management and fisheries sustainability, can play a vital role in supporting Indonesia's efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. In recent years, Indonesia has made strides in enforcing strict regulations to protect its marine biodiversity and manage its fisheries more effectively. Through collaborations with the UK, Indonesia hopes to enhance its monitoring systems and build capacity in the fisheries sector.

Furthermore, there is potential for joint ventures in seafood processing and export, with the UK serving as a gateway to European markets. This cooperation could not only benefit Indonesia's economy but also contribute to global food security by ensuring a steady supply of responsibly sourced seafood.

Education and Healthcare: Strengthening Human Capital

Education and healthcare were also highlighted as critical areas of cooperation. President Prabowo emphasized the need for Indonesia to enhance the quality of its education system, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The UK, with its world-renowned educational institutions, could provide valuable support through student exchange programs, curriculum development, and capacity building for Indonesian educators.

The partnership between both countries could also extend to healthcare, with a focus on improving Indonesia’s healthcare infrastructure and the quality of medical services. Prime Minister Starmer reiterated that the UK is committed to helping Indonesia address challenges in healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

With a growing population and increasing healthcare needs, Indonesia is prioritizing investments in health infrastructure, including hospitals, medical technology, and the training of healthcare professionals. The UK, with its expertise in public health systems and medical technology, could play a critical role in supporting these initiatives, benefiting both countries in the long term.

Defense Cooperation: Enhancing Regional Security

Another significant aspect of the meeting was defense cooperation. Both leaders recognized the importance of maintaining regional stability and security, particularly in the face of global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and transnational crimes. Indonesia and the UK share a mutual interest in strengthening their defense capabilities and ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

President Prabowo mentioned that the UK has shown interest in providing support to Indonesia’s defense sector, particularly in areas such as military training, the development of defense systems, and collaborative efforts in counterterrorism and peacekeeping missions. This partnership would help enhance Indonesia’s defense capabilities, ensuring the country remains resilient in the face of emerging security threats.

The collaboration also includes potential joint military exercises, the sharing of intelligence, and the acquisition of advanced military equipment, which would further enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations. This comprehensive defense cooperation would strengthen Indonesia’s position as a key player in regional security matters.

A Stronger Future for Indonesia-UK Relations

The bilateral meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Keir Starmer marked a significant milestone in the relationship between Indonesia and the UK. The commitment to collaborate in various sectors such as the economy, fisheries, education, healthcare, and defense lays a solid foundation for a stronger, more comprehensive partnership.

With the UK offering its expertise and technological advancements, Indonesia is well-positioned to accelerate its development in critical sectors, driving sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens. In turn, Indonesia's strategic position in Asia and its rapidly growing economy offer substantial opportunities for the UK, making the bilateral relationship mutually beneficial.

As both nations continue to strengthen their diplomatic ties, the Indonesia-UK partnership holds great promise in addressing the challenges of the future while seizing the opportunities that come with global collaboration.