Widodo invites Marcos to strengthen trade, connectivity in border areas

MANILA – President Joko Widodo of Indonesia on Monday invited President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to keep developing trade potential and connectivity along the Indonesia-Philippines border.

“I invite the Philippines to continue developing trade potentials as well as connectivity in border areas,” Widodo said in a joint statement after his bilateral meeting with Marcos at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java.

Widodo specifically stated that he proposed the revitalization of shipping routes – roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) shipping routes between Bitung and Davao, as well as the reopening of the Manado-Davao flight route.

He noted that trade between Indonesia and the Philippines increased by nearly 50 percent compared to the previous year.

“Indonesia, in particular, encouraged the increase of export of food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, coconut, and seaweed products,” he added.

Widodo also said he looks forward to intensified cooperation in infrastructure and strategic industries.

“…A number of Indonesian SOEs [state-owned enterprises] have participated in development programs in the Philippines. For instance, the procurement project of two-landing platform dock vessels by PT PAL and the railway signaling project in Manila by PT LEN. I hope that the planned purchase of NC212i aircraft from PT. Dirgantara can be realized,” he said.

He likewise expressed optimism that more opportunities for Indonesian SOEs and the private sector to support development in the Philippines would arise.

Border, defense cooperation

According to Widodo, Indonesia and the Philippines agreed to review border security agreements, including the revised Border Crossing Agreement and Border Patrol Agreement.

He added that Indonesia has vowed to expedite negotiations on the delimitation of the continental shelf in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.

Widodo stated that the two countries have agreed to promote the strengthening of cooperation and the safety and security of waters in border regions, noting he highly appreciates the signing of the Agreement on Cooperative Activities in the Field of Defense and Security.

In addition, he welcomed the renewal of the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) between Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, which is needed to safeguard waters from kidnapping and hostage-taking threats.

Besides border cooperation, Widodo stated that they also discussed ways to boost the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the implementation of the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

He also emphasized the significance of enhancing the centrality and unity of ASEAN.

“Indonesia wishes to ensure that Asean remains an engine of peace, stability, peace and prosperity in the region. Asean must be able to address the challenges ahead and strengthen respect for the Asean Charter,” he said.

According to the Indonesian leader, implementing the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific through concrete and inclusive cooperation will help boost Asean Centrality.

Meanwhile, Widodo further said it was an honor for Indonesia to receive the first overseas visit of Marcos and his delegation.

Moreover, he expressed appreciation for the commitment of the Philippines to extend its full support in Indonesia’s chairmanship in Asean in 2023.

From September 4 to 6, Marcos is in Indonesia for a three-day state visit.

He met with the Filipino community in Jakarta before meeting with Widodo.