VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesian President Joko Widodo welcomed the development of Indonesia-Australia cooperation in terms of Electric Vehicle Collaboration. This was conveyed when he met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC) Australia, Tuesday (5/3/2024).

"I hope the MoU can be implemented immediately through the formation of a joint steering committee and the preparation of a work plan. Specifically related to nickel, I encourage both countries to prioritize collaboration rather than competition," Joko Widodo said in a statement received in Jakarta.

Widodo also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the financial services sector and announced plans to open a representative office of Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) in Sydney. He also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) and the National Capital Authority in February.

"I would also like to again invite the Australian private sector to participate in building IKN," he added.

President Joko Widodo also highlighted the importance of expanding market access to create more balanced trade. He also welcomed the import license for meat and cattle from Australia.

"In addition, cooperation in the field of biosecurity for Indonesian products, especially fruits and fisheries, needs to be encouraged, especially related to inspection and quarantine aspects," he said.

In terms of people-to-people relations, Joko Widodo expressed pride in Indonesia's popularity as a destination for Australian students under the New Colombo Plan scheme. The New Colombo Plan is a partnership between governments, universities and the private sector to deepen future generations of Australians' knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region.

In this regard, Joko Widodo also plans to invite more Australian youth to visit and learn in Indonesia, including Indonesian culture and language.

In addition, President Widodo expressed his appreciation for Australia's support during Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN last year. He hoped that cooperation and implementation of infrastructure and energy projects would continue, and welcomed the launch of the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy 2040.