TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday, March 5, in Melbourne, Australia.

President Jokowi heads Indonesian delegates at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, marking 75-year-long diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Australia, emphasizing their mutual commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The Southeast Asia bloc and Australia will also celebrate their 50 years of relations.

"Australia is a strategic partner for Indonesia and ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific region, a region where we share a future and a joint responsibility to maintain stability," said President Jokowi in a press statement.

During the visit, Indonesia signed a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) including an agreement on Electric Vehicle Collaboration through the creation of a joint steering committee and the drafting of a detailed work plan, advocating for collaboration over competition, especially concerning nickel.

The second point focused on expanding market access to facilitate a more balanced trade relationship. This includes the approval for the importation of beef and cattle from Australia, as well as the need for continued cooperation in biosecurity for Indonesian products, particularly in inspection and quarantine procedures.

Highlighting the importance of people-to-people connections, President Jokowi's third point celebrated Indonesia's popularity among Australian students under the New Colombo Plan scheme. He encouraged more Australian youth to explore Indonesia, not only as a tourist destination but also as a place to study Indonesian culture and language.

Jokowi also appreciates Australia's support during Indonesia's ASEAN chairmanship last year and expressed his delight at Indonesia's popularity as a destination for Australian students. He invited more Australian youth to visit and study in Indonesia, including Indonesian culture and language.

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