Daniel A. Fajri, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon in Lima, Peru on Friday, November 15, 2024. Prabowo and Luxon discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Luxon expressed special appreciation for Indonesia's cooperation in resolving a highly sensitive issue regarding the release of New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens. The Susi Air pilot was released by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement or TPNPB-OPM on September 21, 2024, after being held hostage in Papua for 20 months. Philip was taken hostage when his plane landed at Paro Airport in Nduga Regency in February 2023.

"We highly appreciate your efforts, your entire government, and the previous government for what we have achieved, which is very good," Luxon said, as quoted from a statement by the presidential secretariat.

Prabowo and Luxon met during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC High-level Conference. Through social media X, Luxon said New Zealand and Indonesia aimed to increase bilateral trade to NZ$6 billion or Rp55 trillion by 2029. "This will help grow the economies of both countries," he said.

Meanwhile, Prabowo reiterated his commitment to strengthening the well-established strategic relationship between Indonesia and New Zealand. President Prabowo described New Zealand as a friend and strategic partner of Indonesia.

President Prabowo expressed Indonesia's willingness to strengthen bilateral trade relations, open markets and support Indonesia's participation in Pacific country forums. He thanked New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters for attending his inauguration as President of Indonesia on October 20.

"We are in the same region and share common values and interests. I would like to reaffirm our commitment to continue this good relationship and strengthen the cooperation and friendship between our two countries," Prabowo said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1941840/new-zealand-pm-praises-prabowo-for-the-release-of-susi-air-pilo