Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had high praise for Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals Program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. He commended this program as a tangible example of Indonesia’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of its citizens. During a bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Albanese emphasized the significance of this initiative as part of Indonesia’s broader transformation agenda. He lauded the hard work and aspirations of the Indonesian people, recognizing programs like the free nutritious meals initiative as crucial for improving the quality of life.
In addition, Albanese acknowledged Indonesia’s pivotal role in the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted its increasing influence in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability. He stressed the strategic importance of Indonesia’s rapid progress not only for the region but also for Australia’s bilateral relations with the country. Discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing strategic cooperation between Australia and Indonesia, particularly in areas such as defense, trade, investment, and Indonesia’s aspirations to join the OECD and the CPTPP.
The Australian Prime Minister underlined the partnership’s foundation on shared values, mutual respect, and a vision for inclusive regional development. He also pointed out the historical ties between Australia and Indonesia, dating back to Indonesia’s struggle for independence. Albanese emphasized the importance of collaboration between Australians and Indonesians, working together to strengthen stability, prosperity, and security in the region they both hold dear.