Jakarta — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed full support for Indonesia’s aspirations to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The statement was made during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (May 15).
“I want to assure you, Mr. President, that Australia fully supports Indonesia’s membership in the OECD, as well as its accession to the CPTPP,” said Albanese.
This declaration underscores Australia’s commitment to Indonesia’s active participation in global economic governance and regional trade architecture. According to Albanese, Indonesia’s involvement in these key international forums will bring substantial value, not only to the region but also to global economic stability and growth.
The OECD is an international organization that promotes policies to improve economic and social well-being around the world. Meanwhile, the CPTPP is one of the world’s largest free trade agreements, linking economies across the Asia-Pacific.
Albanese reaffirmed Indonesia’s central role in Indo-Pacific prosperity and security, emphasizing that the country is indispensable in Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
“This region is the fastest-growing in human history, and Indonesia is at the center of that growth,” he noted.
President Prabowo welcomed Australia’s support and expressed appreciation for the close and respectful relationship that has been cultivated between the two nations.
“We deeply value Australia’s support for Indonesia’s OECD membership process. It is an essential part of our vision to build a modern, open, and globally engaged Indonesia,” Prabowo stated.
The bilateral meeting also covered a wide range of cooperation areas, including defense, education, investment, food security, and clean energy transition, reflecting the broad and strategic nature of Indonesia–Australia relations.