Indonesia and New Zealand strengthen cooperation in food security and renewable energy, focusing on agricultural productivity, cattle farming, geothermal and solar power, trade, education and broader Indo-Pacific partnership.
Indonesia and New Zealand want to strengthen their cooperation in food security, renewable energy, trade, and education by pinpointing areas where they can improve their bilateral cooperation. The meeting is being held at the 13th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Auckland.
Foreign Minister of Indonesia Sugiono and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters engage in talks regarding the methods to improve food security, which is still considered a strategic issue for Indonesia. Both nations seek to find ways to enhance agricultural production and cooperate more in raising cattle.
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Food security and nutrition programs are also provided by New Zealand to help the people of eastern Indonesia. These programs are focused on dealing with the underlying causes of stunting, while at the same time generating more sources of livelihood for them.
Energy is yet another field where cooperation comes into play. Both countries agree that capacity building and cooperation should be enhanced especially when it comes to geothermal energy and solar energy. For Indonesia, this cooperation can help in developing renewable energy capacities.
Discussion is held on the expansion of bilateral trade as well. Both parties consider the possibility of implementing halal certification programs to allow trade of halal products and boost exports and imports from one market to the other. It is anticipated that improvements in the certification process will make market access easier.
Another vital aspect of this partnership is education. Both countries recognize the importance of increasing scholarship possibilities for Indonesian students, especially in fields that are of priority to Indonesia’s national development agenda. There is also intent to enhance university cooperation, research, and education exchange programs.
However, the conversation goes beyond just economic cooperation to regional stability and security. The commitments of both countries include fostering stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region through regional bodies like ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Indonesia expresses its welcome for the New Zealand chairmanship of the PIF in 2027.
Both sides also look into the implementation of the Indonesia-New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership Action Plan 2025-2029 that sets out the blueprint for expanding cooperation in various fields. The talks also prepare for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and New Zealand in 2028.
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The most recent involvement highlights the expanding spectrum of Indonesia-New Zealand bilateral ties. Collaboration in agriculture and food security will be supported by the development of renewable energy, trade facilitation, and education.
By looking into the practical initiatives in food production, renewable energy, trade, and human resource development, Indonesia and New Zealand will enhance economic resilience while creating new opportunities for business, communities, and students. This collaboration would also allow both nations to contribute to stability and prosperity in the broader Indo-Pacific region.