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Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto (left) during a conversation with Minister of Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud MP (right) in Jakarta (1/27/2022) (ANTARA/HO-Coordinating Ministry for the Economy) - 

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto praised the Australian government's offer in the Agriculture Visa Program when he welcomed the visit of Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud MP in Jakarta.

Hartarto noted that the program provided an opportunity for Indonesian workers to hone their skills and increase their knowledge in Australia and to work in the agricultural sector.

"We praise the Australian government's offer in the Agricultural Visa Program. However, taking into account the different agricultural conditions in Indonesia and Australia, various preliminary trainings and adjustments should be conducted, especially those related to readiness to live in Australia and readiness to face other social issues," Minister Hartarto noted in an official statement on Saturday.

The offer of the program was delivered in line with the people-to-people link cooperation provided in the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) scheme, such as the Skills Exchange Program, Workplace-Based Training, and Increasing Quotas for Work and Holiday Visas.

The meeting also discussed various forms of cooperation in the agricultural sector that included trade in cattle, beef and cow's milk products as well as trade in wheat and urea fertilizers. Both ministers also discussed implementation mechanisms in the agricultural sector followed by ways to reduce technical barriers and efforts to boost production in order to increase the trade volume between the two countries.

"Weather conditions and cattle depopulation affect the supply and price of cattle in Australia. However, pragmatic policies have been adopted by the Australian government to address these challenges and meet market demands,” Minister David Littleproud MP stated. 

As the largest wheat producer on earth, Australia is the main supplier to meet Indonesian wheat needs. Wheat is a raw material for instant noodles, pasta, and biscuit industries. Indonesia's wheat imports from Australia had increased in 2021, but the increase in imports of raw materials is in line with the increase in exports of Indonesian wheat derivative products, with high added value to other countries.

With regard to Indonesia's G20 Presidency in 2022, Minister Hartarto invites the Australian Government to cooperate and support Indonesia's initiatives to make various agendas a success.

He also invited Australia to participate in supporting Indonesia's three G20 priority agendas: global health, digital-based economic transformation, and energy transition issues.

Speaking in connection with global health issues, Minister David Littleproud echoed Australia's commitment to sending 20 million doses of vaccine to the Indo-Pacific region by mid-2022. Meanwhile, regarding the issue of energy transition, both ministers share the same view on the need for a commitment to reduce emissions, use new and renewable energy, and develop the production of electric cars and batteries//ANT