Indonesia and Australia has sealed an agreement for electric vehicle ecosystem development. The agreement was signed during a meeting between Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday, March 5, 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,” President Jokowi said during his meeting with Prime Minister Albanese at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Melbourne, Australia.
During his visit to Australia, President Joko Widodo held a number of talks and agreements with Australia regarding cooperation in four areas, including on EV ecosystem development.
President Jokowi also emphasised the importance of cooperation in the financial services sector and announced the plan to open a representative office of Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) in Sydney. In addition, the President also welcomed the signing of the MoU between the Nusantara Capital City Authority (IKN) and the National Capital Authority in February.
“I would also like to again invite the Australian private sector to participate in developing IKN,” Jokowi said.
President Joko Widodo also highlighted the importance of expanding market access to create more balanced trade. He welcomed the license issued for import 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, President Joko Widodo expressed his delight at the popularity of Indonesia as a destination for Australian students under the New Colombo Plan scheme. President Jokowi invited more Australian youth to visit and study in Indonesia, including Indonesian culture and language.
The President also expressed his gratitude for Australia’s support during Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN last year. Jokowi expressed hope that cooperation and implementation of infrastructure and energy projects will continue and subsequently welcomed the launch of the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy 2040.
“Hopefully this can continue to strengthen Australia’s economic integration with ASEAN through mutually beneficial trade and investment,” he said.
In his closing statement, President Joko Widodo invited PM Albanese to attend the 10th World Water Forum in Bali. The forum will discuss global water and sanitation issues amidst increasing climate change.
“Your Excellency’s presence is important to encourage real action amid the impact of global climate change that we are increasingly feeling,” the President said.
Accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting were Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, and Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Siswo Pramono.
