TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Philippine President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. hosted a state luncheon for Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi at Malacanang Palace, Manila, on Wednesday, January 10. The two leaders lauded the seven-and-a-half decades of bilateral cooperation between the two archipelagic countries.

“The Philippines and Indonesia are not only neighbors, but also brothers and sisters sharing a longstanding history, a vibrant culture, and common aspirations for peace and prosperity for our people and the future,” Marcos said in his toast remarks before a lavish state luncheon, as quoted from a video caption from the Philippine Presidential Palace.

President Jokowi was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, Chief of Presidential Staff Moeldoko, Member of the Presidential Advisory Council Gandi Sulistyanto, Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo, Director General of Asia Pacific and Africa Abdul Kadir Jailani, and Director of Southeast Asia Mirza Nurhidayat.

Meanwhile, the Philippine delegation included Foreign Affairs Minister Enrique A. Manalo, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, National Defense Minister Gilbert Teodoro, Trade and Industry Minister Alfredo E. Pascual, Transportation Minister Jaime Bautista, Energy Minister Raphael P. M. Lotilla, and Presidential Advisor for Peace Carlito G. Galvez Jr.

“Indonesia and the Philippines are committed to strengthening our cooperation for the next 75 years and maintaining ASEAN unity and centrality for the sake of peace, stability, and prosperity of our region,” Jokowi said.

Earlier, the two leaders held a tete-a-tete meeting before the state luncheon, which was then followed by a bilateral meeting. They discussed political security, economic, and regional issues, including the South China Sea disputes.

Indonesia and the Philippines agreed to expedite revising existing agreements on joint border patrol and crossing, resolving the continental shelf boundary, and strengthening defense cooperation including defense equipment, known as alutsista. To boost trade, Jokowi and Marcos also agreed to continue opening market access.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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