PM Marape Yakin Prabowo Continues RI-Papua New Guinea Cooperation In Jokowi's Legacy

Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Papua New Guinea (PM) Prime Minister James Marape delivered a joint press statement at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Monday (15/7/2024). (ANTARA/Mentari Dwi Gayati)

JAKARTA - Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister (PM) James Marape believes that the bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Papua initiated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) can continue during Prabowo Subianto's leadership.

This statement was conveyed by Marape to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) during the state visit agenda at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Monday.

"We are very confident that the work that President Joko Widodo has started with me will continue. Not only between their respective ministries, but also the elected president and all his staff who serve this year," he said.

He said his party was committed to building stronger bilateral relations with Indonesia, especially in the fields of trade and economy.

Marape is looking forward to more investment from Indonesia in the capital city of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea has also made Indonesia an opportunity to expand its export share.

PM Marape will schedule a follow-up visit to Indonesia to meet directly with the elected president Prabowo Subianto.

"I look forward to my visit to pay tribute to the elected president of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.

In the meeting of PM Marape with President Jokowi, there were four Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) agreed by the two countries.

First, the MoU on Cross Border Movement for Commercial Bus and Goods or cross-border movements for buses or other commercial transportation, where the agreement will regulate the transportation mechanism for public transportation from Jayapura, Indonesia, to Vanimo, Papua New Guinea.

Second, is the MoU Cross Border Transport of Goods by Motor Vehicle, which is intended to regulate the crossing of goods carried by public transport passengers on the border of Jayapura and Vanimo.

Third, the MoU Corporation in the Field of Health or cooperation in the health sector as a cooperation update in 2018 which expires in 2022. The MoU regulates a number of general welfare issues on public health on the border between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

The fourth MoU, is the Corporation in the Field of Education, as the legal umbrella for various collaborations in the field of education, including training and capacity building of educators, as well as scholarships for students.