The 12th JMC meeting focused on evaluating the first year of the implementation of the 2025–2029 Action Plan, agreed at the 11th JMC in Auckland, New Zealand, as well as discussing future cooperation programs.
The two foreign ministers emphasized their commitment to strengthening comprehensive partnerships within the framework of the action plan at the meeting.
“This step is important to strengthen bilateral relations and realize the goals contained in the 2025–2029 Action Plan,” Sugiono said.
The cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand covers several fields, including the economy, trade, investment, and education.
In the economic sector, the ministers agreed to encourage more balanced and sustainable trade to achieve the bilateral trade target of 6 billion New Zealand dollars (US$3.62 billion) by 2029.
Streamlining import policies and increasing collaboration in the food and agriculture sectors could support the achievement of the target.
“I would also like to express my appreciation for the New Zealand government’s support for the Free Nutritious Meals program initiated by President Prabowo," the Indonesian minister added.
During the meeting, the two ministers also discussed cooperation between people. In particular, Sugiono lauded the increase in the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme (MNZSP) quota for Indonesia.
“I hope that the signing of the Arrangement on Education Cooperation can further support the development of Indonesian human resources, especially the younger generation,” he said.
In addition, cooperation in sports was explored at the meeting, including in athlete capacity development.
“Rugby is one of New Zealand’s sporting icons, and I believe sports like rugby can be a strong bridge of friendship between our young generations,” Sugiono said.
Besides education and sports cooperation, Indonesia and New Zealand also agreed on a mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) for halal standards, which would strengthen cooperation in the halal industry and meet the needs of consumers in both countries.
Sugiono and Peters also emphasized the importance of bolstering collaboration in the Pacific, including through regional forums such as the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
“As countries that share geographical proximity to the Pacific region, we have a shared responsibility to maintain regional stability, prosperity, and resilience,” Sugiono said.
“Indonesia and New Zealand are close neighbors, and therefore, I would like to reaffirm our shared commitment to building a more resilient and peaceful future for the region and the world,” he added.
The RI-New Zealand JMC is a foreign minister-level forum for reviewing the progress of bilateral cooperation and encouraging closer collaboration at the regional and global levels.
Related news: Indonesian, New Zealand FMs discuss trade, bilateral relations
Related news: Indonesia seeks to intensify partnership with New Zealand
Reporter: Katriana
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
