VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discussed increasing economic cooperation between the two countries.

They discussed this when President Jokowi received PM Albanese's visit at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Monday (6/6/2022).

In his statement after the meeting, President Jokowi encouraged the expansion of access to exports of Indonesian products with high added value to Australia. The President hopes that access to exports of Indonesian products, one of which is in the automotive sector, will continue to be wide open.

"The first export of completely built up cars (CBU) made in Indonesia to Australia began last February. And I hope that access to exports like this will continue to be open," said President Jokowi.

President Jokowi also hopes that the implementation of the Indonesia-Australia CEPA (IA-CEPA/Indonesia-Australia-Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), especially regarding the opportunities for Indonesian citizens to work in Australia, can be increased.

"Including the addition of the working holiday visa quota to 5 thousand participants per year," he said.

In addition, the President welcomed cooperation in the fields of education and health. Where, there is the opening of Monash University and investment in the construction of hospitals and clinics in Indonesia.

"The opening of the Monash University campus in BSD (Tangerang) is expected to increase Australian investment for the development of high-skilled human resources in Indonesia," he said.

"I also appreciate Aspen Medical's investment to build 23 hospitals and 650 clinics in West Java province worth 1 billion US dollars over 20 years," he continued.

In addition, the President emphasized the importance of strengthening the food security of the two countries.

"We discussed efforts to maintain the sustainability of the food supply chain including wheat in the midst of this very difficult world situation. Cooperation to increase capacity in the fields of food processing, food innovation and supply chains is important to be strengthened. I also emphasize the importance of immediately implementing agricultural quality between the two countries, " said the President.

Finally, added President Jokowi, Indonesia and Australia agreed to strengthen cooperation in energy and climate change.

"The importance of strengthening cooperation in energy and climate change, I welcome PM Albanese's initiative related to the Indonesia-Australia partnership for infrastructure and climate resilience with an initial grant of Australian dollars 200 million. I also welcome the investment commitment of Fortescue Metals Group in the hydropower and geothermal fields. worth 10 billion US dollars and sun cable in the energy sector worth 1.5 billion US dollars," explained President Jokowi.

On that occasion, President Jokowi was accompanied by several related ministers. Among them are Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Minister of Trade Muhammad Lutfi.

Also present were the Ambassadors of the Republic of Indonesia to Australia and Vanuatu Siswo Pramono, as well as the Director General of Asia Pacific and Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdul Kadir Jailani.

Meanwhile, PM Albanese was accompanied by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, Australian Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic, Member of Parliament Luke Gosling, and Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams. (RRI)