CANBERRA - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has raised four priority issues in the context of the Indonesia-Australia relations following the ratification of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).
"We must continue to advocate the values of democracy, human rights, stop intolerance, stop xenophobia, stop radicalism and stop terrorism. We must continue to eradicate identity politics across the world, whether it is based on religion, ethnicity, or other ascriptive identities," he said in his address to the Australian Parliament in Canberra, Monday (10/2).
Second, Indonesia and Australia must be committed to an open, free, and fair economy amid the rise of protectionism.
"Amid the rise of the zero sum game approach, we must strengthen the win-win paradigm. I firmly believe that an open and fair economic system will be mutually beneficial," said Mr Widodo.
Third, Indonesia and Australia must work together to handle various issues in the Pacific region including climate change and natural disaster, social equality, education, healthcare, and human resource development.
"Indonesia and Australia need to become anchors for sustainable development in the Pacific. Indonesia understands the challenges of development in the region," Mr Widodo added.
Fourth, Indonesia and Australia must cooperate to tackle environmental issues and in nature preservation.
"We must work together for nature preservation and sustainable development, reforestation, prevent forest and land fires, and [have] commitment to lowering carbon emission and develop renewable energy and other green technologies," said Mr Widodo. (MS)