Sydney, Australia – In a significant step toward deepening bilateral relations, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono and her Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (IA-CSP). The meeting, held in Sydney on Thursday, highlighted priority sectors such as trade, critical minerals, electric vehicles, and agriculture, while also emphasizing shared values and regional stability.
The discussions underscored the importance of the IA-CSP, a framework established in 2018 to elevate the two nations’ relationship to a higher strategic level. Both ministers expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to drive mutual economic growth and address global challenges.
Focus on Priority Sectors
Minister Sugiono emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration in key areas, including trade and investment, critical minerals, and the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) and battery industries. “We will continue to push the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through mutually beneficial cooperation in critical sectors such as trade and investment, critical minerals, and electric vehicles and battery products,” he stated.
The joint statement issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade outlined additional areas of potential cooperation. These include agriculture and food security, education and research, defence and security, and people-to-people exchanges. Sugiono highlighted the importance of these sectors in fostering sustainable development and addressing shared challenges such as climate change and regional security.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Sugiono described the meeting as a testament to the strong and enduring relationship between Indonesia and Australia, which is rooted in shared values, mutual respect for national sovereignty, and a commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Echoing these sentiments, Minister Wong emphasized the significance of mutual trust and friendship as the foundation for deepening economic ties. “Strengthening economic interaction with Indonesia is important for both countries and is a key effort by Australia to diversify our economies through the ever-growing Southeast Asian market,” she said.
Economic Opportunities and Regional Collaboration
The joint statement noted that Indonesia’s robust economic growth presents significant opportunities for Australian businesses and investors. With high demand for Australian products, health services, and education in Indonesia, the partnership is poised to benefit both nations. Conversely, Australia has also seen a rise in Indonesian investments, reflecting the growing economic interdependence between the two countries.
To further optimize the strategic partnership, both ministers agreed to update the IA-CSP Action Plan for the 2025-2029 period. This update will be presented at the upcoming leaders’ meeting, where both nations aim to align their development priorities, strengthen people-to-people ties, and deepen cooperation in regional defense and security.
High-Level Business Engagement
The meeting coincided with the visit of a high-level Indonesian business delegation to Australia, following Australia’s largest-ever investor mission to Indonesia earlier this year. These exchanges highlight the growing interest in exploring Southeast Asia’s economic potential and underscore the importance of fostering closer business and investment ties.
Looking Ahead
As Indonesia and Australia continue to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, their commitment to the IA-CSP reflects a shared vision for a prosperous and stable Indo-Pacific region. By leveraging their complementary strengths and addressing shared challenges, the two nations are well-positioned to unlock new opportunities and strengthen their partnership in the years to come.
The meeting between Ministers Sugiono and Wong marks a pivotal moment in Indonesia-Australia relations, signalling a renewed focus on collaboration and mutual growth under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
