Strengthening the Australia-Indonesia agricultural relationship

The Albanese Labor Government continues to strengthen two-way agricultural trade with Indonesia, with a visit to Jakarta this week by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, unlocking new export opportunities and solidifying biosecurity cooperation.

Building on the productive discussions during the Prime Minister’s visit to Indonesia in May, Minister Collins met with her ministerial counterparts to finalise a number of key outcomes with the Indonesian Government, including:  

• Agreement to a wheat protocol, which will maintain access for Australia’s largest export to Indonesia (worth $1.76 billion in FY23-24) while continuing to provide assurance to Indonesia on Australia’s high biosecurity standards,
• Announcing the signing of a bilateral protocol that allows exports of Australian-rendered products to Indonesia – trade previously estimated to be worth more than $100 million annually for Australian producers and exporters,
• Agreement on a mangosteen operational workplan, giving a new export pathway for Indonesian fruit while ensuring management of biosecurity risks,
• Signing a Memorandum of Understanding on biosecurity cooperation activities with the Indonesian Quarantine Authority, and
• Re-establishing a bilateral Forestry Working Group with the newly created Indonesian Ministry of Forestry.  

These outcomes are a major boost for Australian and Indonesian farmers and producers, supporting future growth in two-way agricultural trade, which was valued at $5.5 billion in 2023-2024.

During the three-day visit, Minister Collins also toured agricultural production sites and participated in a range of trade events, reaffirming the economic opportunities that come with strengthened cooperation.

This trip was part of the Albanese Labor Government’s ongoing work to strengthen agricultural trade with international partners after a decade of neglect under the Coalition, and to reaffirm the safety and reliability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“Australia’s partnership with Indonesia is incredibly important and the Albanese Labor Government continues to strengthen it.  

“It was great to travel to Jakarta this week to meet with my Ministerial counterparts, where we finalised a number of two-way agricultural trade and biosecurity agreements.  

“These agreements will ensure more of our world-class products are on Indonesian tables and will unlock significant benefits for farmers and producers in both of our nations. 

“The quality, safety and reliability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries are valued by our friends in Indonesia, and it’s great to see how our products support Indonesia’s food security.

“I thank the Indonesian Government, and representatives from industry, for the kind hospitality during my travel.”