Indonesia, Belarus eye milk imports for MBG, broader cooperation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Belarus have initiated talks to step up bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including agriculture and food, with an emphasis on imported milk to support Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto co-chaired the discussion with Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich at the Indonesia-Belarus Business Forum and Business Matching in Jakarta on Tuesday (June 30).

“Belarus conveyed readiness to exchange experience and technology in agricultural mechanization, including in terms of developing harvesting tools and agricultural transportation,” Airlangga remarked.

Belarusian companies such as MAZ, BelAZ, and Minsk Tractor Works were spotlighted for their capacity to support cooperation in industrial, agricultural, and manufacturing heavy equipment.

The meeting, held to prepare the implementation of strategic agreements following the eighth joint commission session, expanded talks beyond agriculture and food.

“Indonesia finds it important to pursue cooperation that delivers mutual benefits for both countries, including through joint investments and strategic projects that can provide ‘low-hanging fruits’ in Indonesia-Belarus economic relations," the Indonesian minister said.

In the health sector, Indonesia and Belarus explored opportunities to exchange expertise, conduct capacity-building programs for health workers, and foster cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry.

The two sides also discussed ways to collaborate on developing production and assembling facilities and exchanging technologies to support industrial growth.

Furthermore, Airlangga highlighted interest in expanding international cooperation in education and human resource development, citing President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to prioritize capacity-building initiatives focused on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

This notion led to both governments agreeing to assess the feasibility of launching a student mobility program, with initial plans to involve 100-200 students in joint training and research activities annually.

Also attending the forum, Indonesian Trade Deputy Minister Dyah Roro Esti underscored the implementation of the free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to boost bilateral trade with Belarus.

She said Indonesia’s trade with the EAEU is valued at US$5.3 billion, with transactions involving Belarus accounting for only US$221 million, indicating significant room for growth.

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Translator: Bayu Saputra, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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