Indonesia, Australia intensify cooperation in women’s empowerment

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Indonesian Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) intensified cooperation with the Government of Australia in the field of women’s empowerment and child protection during a bilateral meeting on Saturday.

“Today’s meeting reflects the solid and sustainable bilateral relations between Australia and Indonesia, particularly in relation with the issues of women, gender equality, women’s empowerment, child protection, and inclusive society,” PPPA Minister Bintang Puspayoga noted in a statement received in Jakarta.

As a partner country of Indonesia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia has participated in several related important activities, including the 2023 ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Child Online Protection that was held on September 26-27 in Jakarta.

Furthermore, Australia has supported the ASEAN Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Summit: High-Level Dialogue that took place in Yogyakarta Province on July 6-7 this year.

Minister Puspayoga extended her deepest appreciation to the Australian government for the Australia-Indonesia Partnership Towards an Inclusive Society (INKLUSI) Program that has been implemented since 2021 and will conclude in 2029.

“The program is aimed at improving gender equality and social inclusiveness in Indonesia through the strengthening of community institutions,” she noted.

Puspayoga further stated that the PPPA Ministry is always open to exploring cooperation opportunities, especially with the Australian government that has been consistently demonstrating various initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, gender equality, and protection of women and children.

“Various potential programs that can be coordinated with the Australian government have the end goal of supporting the realization of inclusive and sustainable development in Indonesia,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams warmly welcomed the continuation of cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, particularly those related to the issues of women and children.

The ambassador expressed hope that both governments would be able to ensure the sustainability of their collaboration to promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, child protection, and the realization of an inclusive society.