Indonesia, New Zealand Discuss Stronger Cooperation in Food Security, Renewable Energy

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia and New Zealand have discussed measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation in food security and renewable energy during the 13th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting held in Auckland on Friday, August 28.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said food security remains one of the strategic areas of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in meeting the needs of Indonesian society, children and younger generations.

According to a statement issued by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, Sugiono and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed concrete steps to enhance cooperation in food security, including efforts to increase agricultural productivity and develop cattle farming.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen capacity-building in renewable energy, particularly in geothermal and solar power development in Indonesia.

Trade cooperation was another key issue discussed during the meeting. The ministers explored measures to expand bilateral trade, including the implementation of halal certification to facilitate and increase the export and import of halal products between Indonesia and New Zealand.

In the field of education, both countries agreed to continue expanding scholarship opportunities for Indonesian students, particularly in academic disciplines aligned with Indonesia’s national development priorities.

Indonesia and New Zealand also reaffirmed their commitment to a bilateral partnership aimed at promoting stability, peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries expressed support for greater cooperation through regional mechanisms, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Sugiono welcomed New Zealand’s upcoming chairmanship of the PIF in 2027 and expressed hope that its tenure would be successful.

The JMC serves as the principal mechanism for reviewing bilateral relations and identifying new opportunities to deepen cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand.

The latest meeting also reviewed progress in implementing the Indonesia-New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership Action Plan for 2025–2029 and discussed preparations for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2028.