Indonesia seeks Australia’s support to join CPTPP, strengthen ties
JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strengthened bilateral relations during a meeting at the Merdeka Palace on Thursday (15/5). A number of key issues were discussed, including Indonesia’s request for Australia’s support in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
President Prabowo stated that the meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese covered the state of bilateral relations between the two countries. “We agreed to continue the agreements already established between our nations in various sectors,” he said.
The President noted that the government will pursue the implementation of various previously agreed commitments, including the finalisation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership action plan for the 2025–2029 period. This plan seeks synergy between Indonesia’s Asta Cita transformation programme and Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
In the area of defence, Indonesia and Australia committed to completing the ratification process for the defence cooperation agreement reached last year.
On the economic front, the two leaders pledged to boost trade and investment. “We invite Australia to take a more active role in our economy. This cooperation is essential, especially amid current global uncertainties,” Prabowo said.
The President also highlighted efforts to strengthen capacity for farmers and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). “We will also strive to ensure that our fruit and fishery products meet international market standards, including the Australian market,” he added.
In the energy transition and mineral sectors, Indonesia and Australia welcomed progress in their collaboration to develop an electric vehicle ecosystem.
On people-to-people relations, the Indonesian government appreciated Prime Minister Albanese’s previous commitment to open access to five-year business visas and other visa facilitation measures for Indonesian citizens, especially students studying in Australia.
In the area of foreign affairs, President Prabowo expressed gratitude for Australia’s support of Indonesia’s bids for CPTPP and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) membership.
“I conveyed Indonesia’s hope that Australia will support us, as it is an important OECD member and the chair of the CPTPP,” he said. (LK/ZH)