Prabowo Subianto Strengthens Bilateral Ties with Peru: A Landmark 50-Year Diplomatic Anniversary for Indonesia-Peru

Jakarta, INTI - On Thursday, November 14, 2024, President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, paid an official visit to Peru, where he was warmly welcomed by the President of the Republic of Peru, Dina Boluarte. During the meeting, President Prabowo expressed his gratitude for the hospitality extended to him, emphasizing the importance of this moment to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Peru.

A Historic Moment: 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

This visit holds special significance, as 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Peru. President Prabowo stressed the importance of this milestone to elevate the relationship between the two countries to a new level.

"This is my first official visit as President of the Republic of Indonesia to Peru, and it’s a good moment to strengthen this relationship," President Prabowo stated.

As part of this commitment, President Prabowo invited President Dina Boluarte to make an official visit to Indonesia next year, as part of the celebration of the half-century of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Expanding Economic and Cultural Cooperation

One of the primary agendas of the meeting between the two leaders was expanding cooperation in economic and cultural sectors. President Prabowo expressed Indonesia’s openness to broader market access for Peruvian products, including popular commodities like avocado, quinoa, and tuna.

According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, bilateral trade between Indonesia and Peru reached USD 360 million in 2023, with positive growth in Peru’s agricultural and manufactured exports to Indonesia. This cooperation is expected to continue increasing as new market opportunities arise.

In the cultural sector, both countries agreed to establish exchange programs in arts and culture to foster closer connections between their societies. "We believe that culture is a bridge that can connect our people even closer," said President Prabowo.

Accelerating CEPA Negotiations

Another commitment reached during the meeting was to finalize the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Indonesia and Peru within the next six months. President Prabowo expressed optimism that this agreement would be signed during President Boluarte’s visit to Indonesia next year.

The CEPA is anticipated to broaden cooperation across strategic sectors, including trade, investment, and technology. Additionally, this agreement will provide legal certainty for business actors in both countries and enhance the competitiveness of their products in the global market.

Cooperation in Combatting Narcotics

International security issues were also a major focus of the meeting. As Pacific-bordering countries, both Indonesia and Peru share a common interest in maintaining regional stability. One area of cooperation highlighted was the fight against narcotics trafficking, a global challenge for both nations.

Peru, known as a major producer of cocaine, has collaborated with Indonesia in various international forums to combat the spread of narcotics. Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in this field through intelligence information sharing and joint training programs for law enforcement officials.

Shared Vision on the International Stage

President Prabowo also emphasized the importance of synergy between the two countries in international forums. Indonesia, as a member of ASEAN, supports Peru’s participation in various regional initiatives that can strengthen multilateral relations.

"We hope to build strong bilateral relations as well as multilateral relations. Indonesia, as part of ASEAN, will continue to support Peru’s involvement in ASEAN initiatives," stated President Prabowo.

Additionally, both countries share a common vision of ensuring peace and stability in the Pacific region. As Pacific nations, both Indonesia and Peru have mutual interests in safeguarding the region’s economic and ecological sustainability.

Statistics and Impact of the Cooperation

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Indonesia is Peru’s second-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, while Peru remains a key trade partner for Indonesia in Latin America. Investments from Indonesian companies in Peru’s energy and manufacturing sectors have also been on the rise, with a total investment of USD 150 million in 2023.

On the other hand, Peru’s support for Indonesian businesses, particularly in the food and beverage sector, has helped to expand the reach of Indonesian products in the Latin American market. For instance, the export of Indonesian coffee to Peru grew by 12% compared to the previous year.

Hopes for the Future

President Prabowo’s visit to Peru not only underscores Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties but also opens new avenues for cooperation across various sectors. With the support of both leaders, Indonesia and Peru are optimistic about tackling global challenges together and creating a better future.

President Prabowo concluded his visit by thanking President Dina Boluarte for her hospitality and commitment to strengthening the relationship between the two nations. "We are Pacific nations. We share an interest in peace and stability in the Pacific region. President Dina Boluarte, thank you once again," President Prabowo said.