Indonesia, Australia Strengthen Biosecurity Cooperation and Market Access for Key Commodities

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) has intensified collaboration with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) to harmonize biosecurity protocols and enhance market access for key agricultural commodities.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Jakarta on Friday, where Barantin Head Sahat Manaor Panggabean emphasized that all discussions were rooted in the implementation of a comprehensive biosecurity concept.

“Both countries have agreed to work together on research harmonization, human resource development, and expansion of market access,” Panggabean stated.

In a bilateral meeting with Australia’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Julie Collins, Panggabean outlined Indonesia’s approach to pre-border quarantine, highlighting the benefits of transitioning to electronic documentation for improved efficiency and traceability.

“Both countries will benefit from the pre-border concept. Documents will be processed electronically, simplifying logistics and reducing costs,” he said. Panggabean also underscored the importance of Australia as a strategic partner, especially in the trade of food commodities. While Indonesia shows strong interest in Australian wheat, Australia is keen to import Indonesian fruits such as mangosteen and pineapple.

“We have already signed an agreement for two commodities: Australian wheat will enter the Indonesian market, and mangosteen will be exported to Australia. Discussions are also ongoing regarding the export of pineapples,” he added.

To support the bilateral trade framework, both nations are committed to ensuring that wheat imports are free from plant diseases—an especially critical issue for tropical climates like Indonesia.

The collaboration further includes efforts to enhance human resource capabilities and laboratory quality to ensure adherence to robust biosecurity standards.

Minister Julie Collins reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to high-level cooperation in the field. “Australia supports Indonesia through technology and research to strengthen our systems and deepen our mutual understanding. This collaboration is key to ensuring that biosecurity remains a priority in our trade relations,” she said.

The strategic partnership between Indonesia and Australia reflects a shared commitment to advancing agricultural trade while safeguarding ecosystems through rigorous biosecurity measures.