TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Jokowi, Turnbull start day with relaxed morning walk around Royal Botanical Gardens

Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post)
Sydney
Sun, February 26, 2017

Share This Article

Change Size

Jokowi, Turnbull start day with relaxed morning walk around Royal Botanical Gardens Good relations: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo have a short walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens on Sunday. (Courtesy of the Presidential Office/File)

A

ustralian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull took President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo for a short walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens on Sunday morning as the two leaders prepare to get into more serious business during a bilateral meeting around lunch time.

About a year ago, President Jokowi took the Australian leader to Tanah Abang Market in Central Jakarta for a blusukan (impromptu visit).

Just like any other Sunday, people were seen walking and jogging through the park, which borders the waters across the famous Sydney Opera House. Jokowi and Turnbull walked together without any apparent excessive security.

In a relaxed ambience, Jokowi was introduced to some passersby, including a young Australian father carrying his infant in a baby-strap on his chest.

"This is an example of a good father," said Turnbull when he and Jokowi chatted with the man.

(Read also: Jokowi arrives in Sydney)

After wrapping up the morning walk, the two leaders will engage in a one-on-one meeting to discuss efforts to improve bilateral ties amid recent tensions in military training cooperation.

Following the row, Jokowi reportedly suggested allowing Canberra to take part in joint patrols in the South China Sea, an issue that has sparked concerns from various elements at home.

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi refused to confirm whether the matter would be discussed during the meeting.

Jokowi’s two-day visit to Australia is set to focus on strengthening trade and investment and maritime cooperation. Jakarta will push for the finalization of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). It is expected that the IA-CEPA will be concluded this year.

Jakarta and Canberra are also set to sign two memorandums of understanding on cooperation in maritime affairs and the creative economy. (ebf)

{

Your Opinion Counts

Your thoughts matter - share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.