Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently praised Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals Program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, as a significant step towards enhancing the well-being of Indonesian citizens. During a bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Albanese highlighted the importance of this initiative in Indonesia’s broader development efforts and transformation agenda. He expressed admiration for the hard work and aspirations of the Indonesian people, recognizing programs like the free nutritious meals initiative as crucial for improving the quality of life.
In addition to applauding Indonesia’s national development efforts, Albanese also acknowledged the country’s pivotal role in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized Indonesia’s growing influence in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability, underscoring the strategic importance of the nation’s rapid progress for both the region and Australia’s bilateral relations with Indonesia. The leaders discussed the potential for enhancing strategic cooperation in key areas such as defense, trade, investment, as well as Indonesia’s aspirations to join the OECD and the CPTPP.
Albanese emphasized the strong foundation of the partnership between Australia and Indonesia, emphasizing shared values, mutual respect, and a vision for inclusive regional development. He highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, dating back to Indonesia’s independence struggle. Albanese stressed the importance of collaboration between Australians and Indonesians in working together to strengthen stability, prosperity, and security in the region that they both hold dear.
This recognition of Indonesia’s national development efforts and the praise for the Free Nutritious Meals Program reflect the deepening ties and strategic cooperation between Australia and Indonesia, signaling a commitment to fostering a strong and prosperous partnership for the benefit of both nations and the broader region.
