Prime Minister Rabuka meets with the President of Indonesia: reaffirms commitment to strengthen bilateral relations

Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed Fiji’s strong and enduring partnership with Indonesia during a bilateral meeting with His Excellency, President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta.

PM Rabuka met the Indonesian President at Merdeka Palace on Thursday 24th April, where he acknowledged the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were formally established in 1974.

This strong bilateral relationship has seen the expansion of the two nations’ partnership over the past five decades, including the establishment of the Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association (FIFA) in 2014.

He noted that such initiatives have significantly enhanced cultural understanding, people-to-people exchange, and diplomatic cooperation.
On development cooperation, PM Rabuka stated that Fiji continues to benefit from Indonesia’s support.

For this, he expressed his gratitude for Indonesia’s continued development assistance, particularly the $FJD12 million grant for the landmark Agriculture Demonstration Farm and Regional Training Centre in Dobuilevu, Ra Province.

The PM added that this ongoing collaboration between our two governments is testament to our shared commitment to address food security, income generation, women and community empowerment, providing a sustainable and secure future for our peoples in the province of Ra.

The project is presently undergoing a competitive tender process, with construction expected to commence soon.

In the spirit of further deepening ties, Prime Minister Rabuka also requested the reinstatement of Fiji’s Visa on Arrival status into Indonesia, highlighting that such a gesture would ease travel burdens for Fijian citizens and enhance bilateral exchange.

Prime Minister Rabuka also acknowledged Indonesia’s Aid Scholarship (TIAS) Program, which has enabled Fijian civil servants and private sector professionals to pursue specialised training in agriculture and healthcare.

On the international front, the Prime Minister commended Indonesia’s leadership through the G20’s Global Blended Finance Alliance (GBFA), stressing its potential to unlock critical financing for climate action and sustainable development projects in vulnerable nations like Fiji.

The leaders also discussed shared regional priorities, particularly through the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

The PM shared the importance of regional unity and highlighted his vision for the Pacific as an “Ocean of Peace”—a concept adopted by PIF Leaders in 2024 and expected to be further advanced at the upcoming PIF Leaders Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

He reiterated Fiji’s appreciation for Indonesia’s support in multilateral forums that creates a more accountable, inclusive, just and equitable international system that is suitable for addressing the challenges of the 21st century, that reflects the voices of small island developing states.

Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka extended an invitation to President Subianto to visit Fiji, as part of ongoing efforts to further enhance our bilateral relations.

In his response, President Subianto expressed his gratitude to PM Rabuka for the opportunity to meet, stating that Fiji is an important partner and “good friend” of Indonesia.

He affirmed that the two countries share similarities as archipelagic countries as well as similar interests and challenges.

The President remarked that both Indonesia and Fiji uphold the principles of mutual respect between nations, including the principles of sovereignty, independence, and equal rights.

President Subianto concluded his remarks by reiterating Indonesia’s ongoing support for Fiji’s development initiatives in areas of mutual interest particularly, in agriculture, climate adaptation and action, security and regional cooperation.