Long-term cooperation is important in an effort to reduce the global gap in access to COVID-19 vaccines and drugs as well as to take precautionary measures against a potential pandemic in future.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi discussed cooperation in the health sector with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the first day of a strategic dialog between both nations in Washington D.C. on Tuesday.

In the long run, Indonesia is also seeking to cooperate with the US, especially in the area of developing COVID-19 vaccines using the mRNA technology and strengthening the global health resilience system.

"Long-term cooperation is important in an effort to reduce the global gap in access to COVID-19 vaccines and drugs as well as to take precautionary measures against a potential pandemic in future," Marsudi noted in a written statement released on Wednesday.

Marsudi commended the US cooperation with Indonesia and its support during the pandemic.

So far, the US has donated over eight million COVID-19 vaccine doses of Moderna to Indonesia under the dose-sharing mechanism through the COVAX facility.

In connection with health cooperation, Indonesia is exploring the possibility of cooperation with the US in the supply of COVID-19 therapeutic drugs.

The US donated one thousand ventilators and medical equipment to Indonesia at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The US also announced additional assistance of US$30 million (Rp429.2 billion) to support COVID-19 handling efforts in Indonesia.

In addition to cooperation in the health sector, Marsudi and Blinken were on the same page with regard to several opportunities available for the two nations by enhancing economic cooperation.

To this end, Marsudi highlighted the Job Creation Law that she believed would be able to help increase US investment in Indonesia.


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In the trade sector, Marsudi reiterated the need to continue negotiations on the limited trade deal (LTD) between the two nations.

The US is Indonesia's second-largest trade partner, with bilateral trade valued at US$27 billion (Rp386.2 trillion) in 2020.

Marsudi and Blinken also shared views on a broad range of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Blinken lauded Indonesia for its vital role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

"Indonesia is the key democratic partner of the US, and the US is ready to cooperate with Indonesia in tackling various important issues in the region," he affirmed.

The duo also exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar and expressed concern over the latest developments in the country.


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Indonesia stressed the importance of upholding democracy in Myanmar, while the safety and welfare of the people of Myanmar should be accorded priority.

The issue of Afghanistan also drew emphasis on the Indonesia-US strategic dialog.

Marsudi noted that Indonesia had, so far, played a role in initiating a meeting of ulemas in Afghanistan. She further stressed the importance of protecting and empowering Afghan women for their country's future.

"Women must be given opportunities to build Afghanistan's future in the wake of the conflict," she noted.


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The strategic dialog also covered climate change.

Marsudi highlighted developments in the fulfilment of Indonesia's commitment to tackling the impacts of climate change.

Indonesia is confident of fulfilling its commitment to singlehandedly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29 percent and 41 percent with international assistance by 2030.

Indonesia expects the US and other advanced nations to fulfill their commitments, including providing green climate funding to support adaptation programs.

The dialog is a milestone in the Indonesia-US bilateral ties and mirrors the commitment of both nations to bolster bilateral ties.


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Translator: Yashinta Difa P, Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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