The PNG Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Justin Tkatchenko and Foreign Affairs Minister for Indonesia, Her Excellency Rento Marsudi held the third (3rd) Indonesia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Committee (JMC) meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia on 21 March 2023 after more than a decade absence since 2013.

The meeting involved discussions on various issues of bilateral and regional importance to both countries and the region.

Minister Tkatchenko in his presentation, convened the PNG’s Government appreciation and eagerness to enhance their bilateral relations with Indonesia which was long overdue in many different areas of engagements, and in doing so respecting each other’s territorial sovereign rights.

Foreign Minister Tkatchenko also commended Indonesia for development assistance into the Pacific region maintained that PNG will provide support where necessary. Minister Tkatchenko welcomed Indonesia development cooperation scoping team’s visit to PNG to look at certain infrastructure projects in Vanimo, Sandaun Province and the National Capital District in the health sector which will go a long way in improving and protecting the lives of Papua New Guineans.

Other discussions include announcement of Indonesian Educational Scholarship to Papua New Guinea school leavers. Minister Tkatchenko welcomed the announcement of this important program that will have a greater impact on the lives of young Papua New Guineans. This will also promote and foster understanding of Indonesian culture and society in PNG, in fact it enhances people to people connections between the two countries.

Minister Tkatchenko affirmed that the increasing Bilateral Trade between PNG and Indonesia is important. The PNG government was looking at opening up a Special Economic Zones also at the PNG/Indonesia Common Border. Minister Tkatchenko also highlighted on the importance of coming up with a Joint Model on the proposed PNG-Indonesia Preferential Trade Agreement to drive the economic relations between the two countries as well as re-engagement of the PNG-Indonesia Business Council.

Foreign Minister Tkatchenko also took the opportunity to inform his counterpart Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi on the ratification of the long outstanding bilateral agreement between the two countries on the PNG side including Basic Border Agreement. Couple with the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on the Border Cross Land Transport and re-establishment of Air Service routes in agreed designated ports of entry between the two countries.

Minister Tkatchenko expressed that it is important for people from both countries to recognize the Melanesian Heritance that both countries have.

He further acknowledged Indonesia’s assumption as Chair of the Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year (2023) and look forward to working with Indonesia to linking the Pacific with ASEAN.