During a bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals Program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. He praised this program as a tangible example of Indonesia’s national development efforts to improve the well-being of its citizens. Albanese highlighted the significance of such initiatives within Indonesia’s broader transformation agenda, recognizing the hard work and aspirations of the Indonesian people in enhancing the quality of life.
Acknowledging Indonesia’s crucial role in the Indo-Pacific region, Albanese emphasized its growing influence in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability. He underlined the strategic importance of Indonesia’s rapid progress, not only for the region but also for Australia’s bilateral relations with the country. The leaders discussed enhancing strategic cooperation between Australia and Indonesia, with a focus on defense, trade, investment, and Indonesia’s aspirations to join the OECD and the CPTPP.
Emphasizing the partnership’s foundation on shared values, mutual respect, and a vision for inclusive regional development, Albanese highlighted the historical ties between Australia and Indonesia, dating back to Indonesia’s independence struggle. He stressed the importance of collaboration between Australians and Indonesians in strengthening stability, prosperity, and security in the cherished region.
