Jakarta, May 15 (AseanAll) — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese have agreed to deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries for the sake of prosperity, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Albanese delivered the statement in a joint press conference after the bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on May 15, 2025.

“I come to this region first because this region is our priority. I am in Indonesia because there is no relations more important to Australia than this one, and no country is more important to the prosperity, security, and stability of the Indo-Pacific than Indonesia,” Albanese said.

Albanese also praised Indonesia’s rapid development, noting that it has now become the world’s fourth-largest economy by population and is projected to become the fifth-largest economy in the next decade.

“Indonesia is already the fourth most populous country in the world and is projected to become the fifth-largest economy in the world by the end of the next decade. These growth and transformation are the result of the hard work and aspirations of the Indonesian people,” the Prime Minister said.

Albanese also expressed appreciation for development programs that improve the quality of life for Indonesians, including the free nutritious meals (MBG) initiative introduced by President Prabowo.

In foreign relations, PM Albanese stated that Australia supports Indonesia’s accession to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

“I assure you, Mr. President, Australia supports Indonesia joining the OECD and also Indonesia’s accession to the CPTPP,” the Prime Minister said.

In the context of economic cooperation, PM Albanese emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries. He called on all parties—governments, businesses, and civil society—to be more proactive in seizing this potential.

“To turn incredible potential into concrete progress, all of us—governments, businesses, and civil society—need to demonstrate greater engagement and ambition,” he added.

Albanese also highlighted the importance of the two countries’ relations in enhancing regional security by stressing the need to implement the defense cooperation agreement jointly announced in August 2024. He also expressed hope for even closer cooperation in the defense sector.

“This is the most significant step in the Australia–Indonesia security partnership in three decades. I want to make it clear that I do not see this agreement as the final step, but the next step. I want us to aim higher, go further, and work more closely together,” Albanese stated.

Albanese also expressed his appreciation to President Prabowo for the warm welcome extended to him during his visit to Indonesia. He emphasized that the relations between Indonesia and Australia is not only pivotal for the two countries but also for the broader Indo-Pacific region’s stability and prosperity.

“I expressed my gratitude for the extraordinary hospitality and generosity we’ve received here. It is a great honor for me to represent the country I love, here in a region we both deeply care about,” Albanese remarked.