Indonesia Seeks Dutch Support for Key Development Programs
Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, recently extended an invitation to the Netherlands to provide support for Indonesia’s priority programs. This call to action came during a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp in The Hague on February 21. Sugiono reiterated the Netherlands’ significance as Indonesia’s primary partner in Europe, emphasizing the desire to further strengthen their comprehensive partnership.
During the meeting, Sugiono outlined Indonesia’s priority programs, focusing on areas such as food security, energy transition, and the productivity of Indonesian fishermen. He urged the Netherlands to actively participate in and support these strategic initiatives, seeking a collaborative effort to address pressing challenges and foster sustainable development.
In response to Sugiono’s proposal, Schoof and Veldkamp expressed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation to advance Indonesia’s priority programs. Specifically, they highlighted their support for initiatives related to food security and the provision of nutritious meals. Schoof underscored the importance of Indonesia and the Netherlands serving as a bridge between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing the need for continued partnership and collaboration.
Evaluating the current Indonesia-Netherlands Comprehensive Partnership, Sugiono and Veldkamp agreed to review the existing Plan of Action for its implementation, which is slated to conclude in December 2025. They also discussed formulating future strategies to further bolster their collaboration and maximize the partnership’s potential impact.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships and Addressing Key Issues
In addition to bilateral matters, Sugiono and Veldkamp engaged in discussions on key regional issues, including the situations in Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and BRICS. Sugiono urged EU countries to increase their presence in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the economic sector, to promote stability and prosperity in the region. He emphasized the importance of fostering balance and collaboration in the region to facilitate mutual growth and development.
Addressing Indonesia’s membership in BRICS, Sugiono underscored Indonesia’s role as a bridge between developing and developed countries, as well as between BRICS and Southeast Asia. By positioning itself as a facilitator of dialogue and cooperation, Indonesia aims to promote mutual understanding and partnership among nations with diverse interests and priorities.
Following his visit to the Netherlands, Sugiono is scheduled to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, to participate in the High-Level Meeting of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council and the Conference on Disarmament. This engagement reflects Indonesia’s commitment to global issues and its proactive stance on matters of international significance.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s outreach to the Netherlands for support in key development programs underscores the value of international partnerships and collaboration in addressing shared challenges and advancing common goals. By fostering strong relationships and engaging in constructive dialogue, nations can work together to promote sustainable development, enhance regional stability, and achieve mutual prosperity. As Indonesia continues to strengthen its ties with the Netherlands and other strategic partners, the potential for impactful cooperation and positive outcomes remains high.
