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.
Jokowi, Albanese ride bikes as diplomatic wheels turn
Before the formal talks began, Albanese accompanied his host, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, for a ride through the presidential palace in Bogor on bamboo bicycles.
Change Size
President Joko Widodo (right) and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) riding bamboo bicycles at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java. (AFP/Handout)
A
ustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heralded a deepened relationship with close neighbour Indonesia, pledging stronger cooperation on trade, security and climate change during his first bilateral visit on Monday.
Before the formal talks began, Albanese accompanied his host, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, for a ride through the presidential palace in Bogor on bamboo bicycles.
Stressing the importance of engaging with Southeast Asia's largest economy, Australia's new prime minister brought a high-profile business delegation to Indonesia, along with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Trade Minister Don Farrell.
"Indonesia is on track to be one of the world's five largest economies," said Albanese, "Revitalising our trade and investment relationship is a priority for my government."
The government would work together to realise the potential of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), he said, and also offer technical expertise for the development of Indonesia's planned new green and high-tech capital, 'Nusantara'.
Albanese reiterated a A$470 million ($338.49 million) pledge over four years for overseas development in Indonesia and the region, a A$200 million climate and infrastructure partnership with Indonesia, and the creation of a new Southeast Asia office in Australia's department of foreign affairs.
"True to my government's ambitious climate targets, I want better access to affordable, reliable and secure clean energy right across our region, as we transition to a net zero world together," he said.
