April 23, 2026 | 05:46 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia and the Philippines agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various strategic sectors, including economics, politics and security, as well as international issues.
"On economic cooperation, we agreed to strengthen collaboration, including local currency settlement and a stronger QR payment system," said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono in a joint press statement with his Philippine counterpart Theresa Lazaro in Jakarta on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Indonesia and the Philippines will also strengthen connectivity between Indonesian and Philippine border cities, such as Manado, Bitung, Davao, and General Santos.
Sugiono said that Indonesia welcomed the progress of critical mineral partnerships, including the Nickel Alliance, to build a resilient global supply chain.
Regarding politics and security, Indonesia and the Philippines agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation, improve border management, and accelerate discussions on the delimitation of continental shelf boundaries based on international law.
"We also agreed to strengthen defense industry collaboration, including through the procurement of Indonesian-made defense equipment. In consular matters, we welcome progress in resolving persons of Indonesian descent and of Filipino descent," said Sugiono.
Sugiono further said that Indonesia and the Philippines exchanged views on regional and global issues, reaffirming the importance of peace and stability in the South China Sea through full respect for international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.
Indonesia and the Philippines also emphasized the importance of an inclusive political process in Myanmar to support long-term peace, regional stability, and humanitarian assistance.
Regarding the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, Indonesia and the Philippines believe that the current ceasefire is a crucial step to prevent further escalation.
The Indonesian Foreign Minister emphasized that stability in the Gulf region is crucial because any disruption will impact security, energy, supply chains, and economic resilience in the ASEAN and Asia regions.
"At the same time, we believe that lasting peace and stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice for Palestine, and we both believe that a two-state solution is the only solution to this issue," Sugiono concluded.
Read: Prabowo Advised to Put ASEAN First Over Middle East Diplomacy
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