According to a statement cited here on Wednesday, the discussion took place when Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto received Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich in Jakarta on Tuesday (December 16).
“Indonesia requires technological support, including modern agricultural machinery, to bolster its food security. In this context, we view Belarus as a strategic partner possessing relevant experience and capacity,” Hartarto said.
He stated that Indonesia is pursuing food self-sufficiency as part of its national development agenda under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, who was hosted by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at his residence near Minsk last July.
Hartarto said the Indonesian government has implemented a series of measures to increase agricultural output, including the food estate program as well as efforts to modernize and mechanize farming practices.
He also underlined Indonesia's keenness to explore cooperation with Belarus through investment and joint venture schemes, particularly in the development of agricultural machinery, heavy industrial equipment such as dump trucks, and rubber-based commodities.
In addition, Hartarto noted that Indonesia is continuing to digitalize its agriculture sector to attract greater participation from younger generations, adding that cooperation with Belarus remains open in this area.
“Indonesia is also prioritizing the deepening of education cooperation focused on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and research with Belarus,” he said.
Deputy PM Karankevich, for his part, said Belarus has accumulated extensive experience in strengthening its food security, which has allowed the country to export a range of agricultural commodities to international markets across regions.
“Belarus stands ready to support Indonesia in bolstering its food security, including through the expansion of supplies of fertilizers and various agricultural commodities, such as milk and its derivative products,” he said.
Beyond agriculture, Karankevich stated there are opportunities for cooperation in tourism and healthcare development, expressing confidence that such collaboration will be facilitated by a free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Belarus is prepared to support ongoing efforts toward the signing of the agreement, he affirmed.
To enhance bilateral technical cooperation, Karankevich proposed the establishment of joint working groups involving experts and professionals from both countries, while also expressing openness to expert exchanges and comparative studies.
His visit to Jakarta was part of preparations for President Lukashenko’s planned official visit to Indonesia in February 2026.
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Translator: Bayu Saputra, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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