Indonesia, Australia restore trade, investment relations
Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull agreed to restore diplomatic and economic relations that have been damaged in the past years during their talks on Novem
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (R) and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (Source: VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull agreed to restore diplomatic and economic relations that have been damaged in the past years during their talks on November 12.
In the talks in Jakarta, Indonesia, the leaders committed to boosting cooperation in economy, finance, and investment, especially in animal husbandry, one of the spearhead sectors of Australia.
The two sides would make efforts to promote cooperation and cement bilateral relationship, PM Turnbull told the media after the meeting.
He added that Australian Minister of Trade and Investment Andrew Robb and more than 300 businessmen will arrive in Indonesia next week to seek investment and business opportunities.
For his part, Indonesian President Joko Widodo committed to restoring relations between the two countries.
The meeting is the first between leaders of the two countries in hope of healing the relationship that has deteriorated by revelations in November, 2013, that Australia had spied on the president and his inner circle back in 2009 .
Indonesia is currently Australia’s 12th largest trade partner with a two-way trade volume of 15.7 billion USD and investment cooperation worth 9.6 billion USD in 2014. More than 200 Australian enterprises are operating in Indonesia.
Australia is willing to promote bilateral trade ties and ratify the new free trade agreement – the Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Indonesia is the first stop in PM Turnbull’s 12-day trip to five nations in Asia and Europe.
After Indonesia, Turnbull will arrive in Germany on November 13, attend the Group of Twenty Major Economies (G20) Meeting in Turkey from November 15-16, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) from November 18-19 in the Philippines and the East Asia Sꦑummit in Malaysia from November 21-22.-VNA
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Paul Grigson met with Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla on July 30 to discuss ways to improve relations between the two countries.
Indonesia and Australia agreed to promote collaboration in fighting terrorism, particularly extremism in the Middle East, as well as in national security issues.
Australian Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb began a visit to Indonesia on September 22 with the aim of enhancing Australian trade and investment relationship with Indonesia.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (R) and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (Source: VNA)
