Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko formally launched the 2026-2030 Cooperation Roadmap on Thursday, July 2, at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. The strategic document, introduced after extensive bilateral discussions, encapsulates a shared dedication to "more focused, concrete, and mutually beneficial cooperation" in pivotal areas, marking a significant step in deepening ties between the two nations.
This five-year roadmap is designed to transform political goodwill into tangible collaborative initiatives, guiding the evolution of their relationship through key economic, industrial, and social sectors. Its establishment signals both countries' intent to fortify and diversify international partnerships amidst a complex and rapidly evolving global landscape, addressing national development objectives and positioning themselves within a shifting international order.
Central to the newly established framework is a robust emphasis on economic cooperation and food security, areas where both nations possess complementary strengths. President Prabowo highlighted the potential for joint efforts in modern agriculture, specifically mentioning the provision of fertilizers, agricultural tools, technology, and heavy equipment. Belarus, recognized for its advanced agricultural machinery and robust agricultural sector, has explicitly expressed its readiness not only to supply these crucial inputs but also to assist Indonesia in training specialists and localizing production through technology transfer. President Lukashenko underscored that food security remains a primary priority for Belarus, signaling a deep commitment to supporting increased food production capabilities within Indonesia.
Beyond direct agricultural inputs, the economic facet of the roadmap extends to broader industrial development, agricultural modernization, supply chain strengthening, and technological advancement. Both leaders committed to expanding their partnerships to support their respective national development agendas, recognizing the transformative power of a diversified and resilient economic relationship. This multi-pronged approach aims to foster sustained growth and reduce vulnerabilities for both economies.
Further cementing these economic ties, President Prabowo conveyed Indonesia’s appreciation for Belarus’s completion of the ratification process for the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union (I-EAEU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Indonesia is actively finalizing its own ratification, a move anticipated to grant approximately 90 percent of Indonesian products duty-free access to the Belarusian market and, by extension, to the broader Eurasian Economic Union. This free trade pact, encompassing Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, represents a significant stride towards expanding trade and investment links between Indonesia and the entire Eurasian region, offering new avenues for commerce and reciprocal economic benefit.
The formalization of the cooperation roadmap was accompanied by the signing of a significant number of specific agreements, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the burgeoning partnership. Seven key memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements were inked during President Lukashenko’s visit. Among these was a crucial MoU on Industrial Cooperation between the respective Ministries of Industry, fostering opportunities for increased investment and joint ventures. This agreement specifically targets sectors such as manufacturing, automotive production, heavy vehicles, and agro-industry, aiming to synergize industrial capabilities and stimulate economic growth through shared expertise and capital.
Cooperation was also formalized in the health sector, with an MoU signed between relevant authorities. In the realm of financial oversight and security, agreements were struck between Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority and the National Bank of Belarus, promoting stability and regulatory alignment. A particularly significant pact was forged between Indonesia’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) and Belarus’s Department of Financial Monitoring, focusing on cooperation and intelligence exchange to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to global financial security and combating illicit financial flows.
Cultural diplomacy received a dedicated focus, with Indonesia and Belarus signing a five-year cultural cooperation deal. This agreement aims to enhance bilateral relations through joint initiatives involving artists, museums, academics, and creative sectors. Collaboration areas span folklore, fine arts, traditional dance, traditional music, and handicrafts, with a commitment to create a collaborative working group to assist and oversee implementation. As Culture Minister Fadli Zon articulated, this is the "essence of cultural diplomacy—building people-to-people connections that ultimately strengthen ties between nations," fostering deeper understanding and goodwill.
Scientific and technological advancement also forms a cornerstone of the new roadmap. A Scientific and Technical Cooperation Agreement was signed between Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, designed to strengthen collaboration in research and innovation. Such partnerships are vital for driving advancements and knowledge exchange in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world. Additionally, a National Accreditation MoU was among the seven agreements, further streamlining regulatory and quality assurance processes between the two countries.
Beyond formal agreements, the visit also yielded significant progress on facilitating greater interpersonal and business exchanges. President Lukashenko announced agreements on visa-free entry for Belarusian citizens to Indonesia, the launch of direct flights between the two countries, and the establishment of an Indonesian embassy in Minsk. These measures are expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and overall connectivity, making it easier for citizens and businesses to engage directly. President Lukashenko noted that "Belarusians are not just taking a closer look at Indonesia as a very interesting tourist destination. Many have already discovered it for themselves," underscoring the growing mutual interest and potential for increased movement.
President Prabowo underscored the historical context of these burgeoning ties, noting President Lukashenko’s first