Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has called for greater cooperation between Indonesia and Australia in vocational education.
Jokowi said such a collaboration would be in line with Indonesia's plan to focus on human resource development in the next five years.
He raised the issue during a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, on Sunday.
Jokowi expressed the hope that through vocational education, both countries could strengthen their bilateral cooperation in the education sector, particularly in higher education.
During the meeting, Jokowi also spoke about economic cooperation, particularly the Pacific Exposition in Auckland.
"So, I really appreciate Australia's support in organizing the Pacific Exposition in Auckland in July," said Jokowi as quoted by Antara, adding that that the exposition will strengthen economic cooperation between countries in the Asia-Pacific.
Jokowi explained that the recent ASEAN Indo-Pacific Outlook pact agreed during the recent ASEAN Summit in Thailand would also deal with transparency and international law adherence in the Asia-Pacific.
Jokowi hoped that during the meeting, each country would not only focus on their own perspective but also work together for the mutual benefit of ASEAN countries and their partners.
"I appreciate Australia's positive response and hope that Australia could join ASEAN to discuss the Outlook agreement," Jokowi said. (mai/bbn)