Prime Minister Anthony Albanese began his first full day in Jakarta by having a business breakfast with a high-level delegation of Australian business leaders.
Albanese has a full schedule in Indonesia over the next two days – after that, he leaves for the Presidential Palace in Bogor, about an hour from central Jakarta (based on the capital’s mind-numbing traffic) Situated in stunning tropical plains.
He will meet with President Joko Widodo (though everyone calls him President Jokowi) and once the new prime minister is officially welcomed, the pair will begin their annual leaders meeting, issue a joint statement, and then state Will have lunch.
In mid-afternoon (around 6 p.m. on Australia’s east coast) the pair will hold a press conference where bilateral ties, the new-ish free trade deal, the rise of China and the presence of Vladimir Putin at the next G20 in Bali are likely to be questioned. Subjects will be about.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has already met with her counterpart, Retno Marsudi, and said after the meeting that Indonesia was a very important partner for Australia.
Wong said Retno understood – as did countries across the region – that the rise of China was reshaping Southeast Asia.
“The important thing is that the countries work together so that [the] The region is peaceful, prosperous and respects sovereignty.”
“Indonesia is a very important partner for Australia, it is a very important neighbour, and it is a country that will continue to grow and remain vitally important to the security of the region.”
Wong highlighted the presence of the Albanese, himself, Trade Minister Don Farrell and Industry and Science Minister Ed Husik, as well as the business delegation, as proof of how seriously the Australian party is taking the visit.
The high-powered business delegation included Business Council Chief Executive Jennifer Westcott and Global Engagement Committee Chairman Warwick Smith, Commonwealth Bank boss Matt Comin, Telstra’s Andy Penn, Wesfarmers Rob Scott, Fortescue Metal Deputy Chair Mark Barnaba, Bluescope Managing Directors Mark Wassela and Sun Cable. David Griffin.
Monash University Vice Chancellor Margaret Gardner, who told Sydney Morning Herald And age The visa system needed to fine-tune the visa system between the two countries is also on the rise, after Monash opened the first overseas university on Indonesian soil late last year.
