Indonesia and Vietnam have officially elevated their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The announcement came during a joint statement by President Prabowo Subianto and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), To Lam, at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on March 10, 2025. This move marks a significant step in strengthening diplomatic, economic, and defense cooperation between the two nations.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through a New Partnership
The decision to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects the deepening ties between Indonesia and Vietnam. Furthermore, this agreement coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
President Prabowo emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “Today, we have the honor of welcoming His Excellency Brother Tô Lâm and a high-level delegation from Vietnam. This visit happens to coincide with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Vietnam.” As reported by rmol.id
Both countries have committed to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including politics, trade, security, and technology. Additionally, this agreement sets the stage for long-term collaboration and economic integration in Southeast Asia.
Key Agreements in the Indonesia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
As part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Indonesia and Vietnam signed three major agreements:
- Letter of Intent (LoI) on Technical and Digital Economy Cooperation, signed by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Vietnam’s Minister of Industry.
- Letter of Intent (LoI) on Science and Technology Collaboration, signed by Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology and Vietnam’s Minister of Science and Technology.
- Implementing Arrangement on Aquaculture Development, signed by Indonesia’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Environment.
These agreements are expected to enhance technological innovation, economic resilience, and sustainable development in both nations.
Economic Cooperation and Trade Growth Targets
Economic collaboration remains a core focus of the Indonesia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Moreover, The two countries aim to increase bilateral trade to USD 18 billion by 2028. This ambitious target builds on previous success, as Indonesia and Vietnam achieved USD 16 billion in bilateral trade in 2024.
President Prabowo reiterated this commitment, stating, “We agreed to achieve economic relations that will reach a target of USD 18 billion.”
Key sectors driving this growth include automotive, agriculture, and food security. Indonesia also welcomes Vietnamese investment in high-potential industries, further strengthening economic ties.
Expanding Defense and Security Collaboration
Beyond trade, Indonesia and Vietnam have committed to deeper defense and security cooperation. This includes:
- Joint military exercises and officer exchange programs.
- Potential joint maritime patrols to strengthen regional security.
As reported by Kompas, Prabowo highlighted the importance of defense collaboration, stating, “This includes officer exchanges, increased training, and even an agreement to conduct joint patrols. We also welcome ASEAN’s Vision 2045, which is expected to be declared at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this May.” These initiatives will enhance regional stability and reinforce ASEAN’s collective security framework.
Future Outlook: Strengthening Regional Influence
Looking ahead, both nations plan to expand cooperation in fisheries, the digital economy, the green economy, and high-tech industries. These efforts will not only benefit Indonesia and Vietnam but also contribute to broader economic and environmental sustainability in Southeast Asia.
Prabowo expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the partnership, stating, “We believe that this will bring prosperity to both our peoples.”
With a strong foundation in trade, defense, and technological collaboration, the Indonesia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is set to drive economic growth and strengthen ASEAN’s role in global affairs.
Source: kompas.com, rmol.id
Image: VNA/ Vietnam News Agency
