Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals Program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto as a concrete example of the country’s national development efforts to improve the well-being of its citizens. In a bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Albanese emphasized the importance of this initiative within Indonesia’s broader transformation agenda. He commended the Indonesian people’s hard work and aspirations, recognizing programs like the free nutritious meals initiative as essential for enhancing the quality of life.
Albanese also recognized Indonesia’s crucial role in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting its increasing influence in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability. He stressed the strategic significance of Indonesia’s rapid progress not only for the region but also for Australia’s bilateral relations with the country. The leaders discussed enhancing strategic cooperation between Australia and Indonesia, with a focus on defense, trade, investment, and Indonesia’s aspirations to join the OECD and the CPTPP.
The Australian Prime Minister underlined the partnership’s basis on shared values, mutual respect, and a vision for inclusive regional development. He pointed out the historical ties between Australia and Indonesia, dating back to Indonesia’s independence struggle. Albanese emphasized the importance of collaboration between Australians and Indonesians, working together to strengthen stability, prosperity, and security in the region they both hold dear.
