Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed the strength of the Australia-Indonesia partnership during his latest visit to Jakarta. In a joint statement with President Prabowo Subianto, he emphasized Indonesia’s strategic importance, calling the bilateral relationship Australia’s most vital in the Pacific region. His remarks came during his fourth visit to Indonesia as Prime Minister, just after being re-elected.
“I was honored to host President Prabowo in Canberra last year, and I am very pleased to be in Jakarta today for my first bilateral meeting after being re-elected. This is my fourth visit to Indonesia as Prime Minister,” Albanese said at the State Palace on Thursday, May 15, 2025, as reported by Bisnis.com.
Strengthening the Australia-Indonesia Partnership
Albanese underlined the unique role Indonesia plays in shaping regional dynamics. “There is no relationship more important to Australia in this region than our relationship with Indonesia,” he stated. His presence in Jakarta so soon after the election signals a renewed commitment to deepening ties.
He also recalled President Prabowo’s visit to Canberra in 2024, which took place between Indonesia’s historic election and Prabowo’s official inauguration. This shared history, Albanese suggested, laid the groundwork for even stronger cooperation.
Read More: Indonesia, Australia Agree to Enhance Strategic Cooperation
Economic Growth and Shared Interests
The Prime Minister praised Indonesia’s rapid development, highlighting its increasing global economic relevance. “Indonesia is already the fourth most populous country in the world, and it is projected to become the fifth-largest economy by the end of the next decade,” he noted.
Albanese also applauded national initiatives under Prabowo’s leadership, such as the provision of free nutritious meals for students. “All of this is the result of the hard work and aspirations of the Indonesian people, as well as development programs that genuinely improve people’s quality of life,” he said.
He stressed the potential of deeper trade and investment cooperation between the two nations. However, he also called for more active participation from government, business, and civil society to unlock that potential fully.
Read More: Will Trade Wars Affect Indonesia-Australia Economic Partnership?
Regional Security and Defense Agreement
Addressing security matters, Albanese pointed to a major step forward: the 2024 Defense Cooperation Agreement between the two nations. He described it as the most significant development in bilateral defense relations in three decades.
“This agreement, at the treaty level and reinforced by the Lombok Treaty, paves the way for new cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” he explained.
He also expressed Australia’s full support for Indonesia’s ambition to join the OECD and CPTPP, further aligning the nations’ economic and strategic goals.
Foreign Policy and Regional Stability
Albanese said his Southeast Asia visit reflected Australia’s broader foreign policy direction. He highlighted the importance of rules-based cooperation and mutual respect to uphold peace in the Indo-Pacific.
“Those of us who have benefited from this framework have a responsibility to maintain and strengthen it. The future of our region must be shaped by shared opportunity and secured by collective responsibility,” he emphasized. He insisted that regional security must rest on sovereignty, equality, and fair international rules.
Advancing Pacific Regional Cooperation
In closing, Albanese stressed the importance of building Pacific regional cooperation through equal partnerships. He recalled Australia’s support for Indonesia’s independence and the enduring solidarity between their peoples.
“It is a great honor for me to represent the country I love in a region we both cherish. I look forward to continuing to build our relationship, both personally and between our nations,” he concluded.
Source: ekonomi.bisnis.com
Image: Photo courtesy of the media team of President Prabowo Subianto
