President Prabowo Subianto has invited Fiji to conduct a joint military exercise in Indonesia as part of the bilateral defence cooperation.
“We are also open to carrying out joint exercises in the military field, whether on land, at sea, or in the air. We welcome the Fijian military to exercise alongside us in Indonesia,” Prabowo stated in a statement with Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, at the Merdeka Palace on Thursday.
Prabowo affirmed that Indonesia is striving to make the previously established defence cooperation agreements effective.
Additionally, the president expressed Indonesia’s commitment to supporting the development of a regional agricultural training centre in Rakiraki, Fiji, which is expected to start this year.
Prabowo also invited Fiji to send its young people to pursue education at educational institutions and schools in Indonesia, especially in areas such as vocational training, engineering, and agriculture.
He emphasised Indonesia’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with Fiji in enhancing human resource capacity and strengthening people-to-people relations between the two nations.
“We will increase partnership scholarships for developing countries and for the young people in Fiji,” he remarked.
Prabowo views Fiji as Indonesia’s important partner in the Pacific region since formal diplomatic ties began in 1974.
He highlighted that both countries share similarities as island nations, with common interests and challenges.
“We both uphold the principles of mutual respect between nations. We both uphold the principles of sovereignty, independence, and the rights of equality among nations,” Prabowo said.
PM Rabuka’s current visit to Indonesia coincides with the 50th anniversary of Indonesia-Fiji diplomatic relations.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that the Government of Indonesia has provided a grant of US$6 million, approximately Rp100 billion, to the Fijian government. Rabuka expressed his gratitude for the financial aid and affirmed his commitment to continuing cooperation with Indonesia.
“There’s no need to be burdened by the thought of debt. That’s why we thank your government. We will ensure the continuation and implementation of the commitments made by your predecessors,” Rabuka said following a bilateral meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
The Fijian government, said Rabuka, will continue to respect Indonesia’s sovereignty. Fiji will stand with Indonesia in international forums to support the country's sovereignty.
He also mentioned that Fijian youth are currently undergoing agricultural training in Indonesia. According to Rabuka, Indonesia's agricultural education offers an excellent opportunity to develop Fiji’s agricultural potential. “There is no better place to learn and grow—from a modest farming community into a major force in the region,” he said.
In addition, Rabuka stated that Fiji seeks to enhance cooperation in the fields of defense and security with Indonesia. So far, Fijian soldiers have been undergoing training in Indonesia. He believes that Indonesia’s military experience can strengthen Fiji’s armed forces.
The 7th Indonesian President, Joko Widodo or Jokowi, previously issued Law Number 2 of 2023, which governs defense cooperation between Indonesia and the Republic of Fiji. The Oceanian nation is among the countries that reject Papua’s independence and support Indonesia’s sovereignty over the region.
The eight-page bill outlines six areas of cooperation. One of them is enhancing cooperation in the defense industry sector, including technology transfer, joint research, joint production and marketing, as well as joint quality assurance.
The defense cooperation between Indonesia and Fiji is agreed to be valid for five years. It will be automatically extended for another five years thereafter.
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