FM Arrmanatha prioritizes economic resilience through diplomacy

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4 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian foreign policy must deliver tangible economic benefits directly to citizens, Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir asserted, framing domestic economic resilience as the primary benchmark for the nation’s international diplomacy.

“The benchmark is simple: diplomacy must be felt right down to the people’s dining tables,” Arrmanatha said in his inaugural press statement following the official handover ceremony at the Foreign Ministry’s Pancasila Building, Jakarta, on Monday.

Arrmanatha stressed that a nation must first build strong domestic foundations before playing a significant role in global affairs.

Therefore, he pledged to align Indonesian foreign policy closely with President Prabowo Subianto’s national development priorities.

Highlighting ongoing international cooperation, the Foreign Minister pointed to joint agricultural initiatives aimed at bolstering food security, including rice production partnerships with Japan and South Korea, as well as dairy farming projects with Vietnam.

In the energy and industrial sectors, Indonesia is advancing thorium and geothermal power plant projects with Japan, along with an integrated electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem in cooperation with China.

On international trade, Arrmanatha noted that Indonesia has signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with Canada and Peru, while negotiations for a CEPA with the European Union have reached substantial conclusion.

Indonesia is also accelerating trade negotiations with Turkey, Georgia, Chile, Uzbekistan, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Mercosur.

Arrmanatha affirmed that his administration will focus on translating existing framework agreements into practical economic results.

“We will enhance and intensify bilateral cooperation to achieve tangible results that support development priorities,” he emphasized.

Arrmanatha officially assumed the role of Foreign Minister after taking his oath of office before President Prabowo on October 1.

He succeeded Sugiono, who was appointed Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs during the same cabinet reshuffle.