Indonesia reveals 2022 foreign policy's priorities
Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi highlighted priorities in the country’s foreign policy this year in her annual press statement on January 6.
A person in Indonesia receives COVID-19 vaccine jab (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi highlighted priorities in the country’s foreign policy this year in her annual press statement on January 6.
The country will focus on health care, economy, citizen protection, border demarcation, promotion of peace and preparation for Indonesia’s G20 Presidency.
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, health diplomacy is among Indonesia’s priorities this year.
Marsudi underlined that Indonesia needs to be able to produce COVID-19 vaccine and become a regional manufacturing hub of vaccine, as well as medicine and raw materials.
Noting that the pandemic brought about its own set of challenges in the protection of Indonesian citizens, the minister said Indonesia will continue to bolster our protection machinery to assist Indonesian citizens abroad.
In 2022, the Southeast Asian nation will also step up efforts in economic diplomacy via improvement in market access for national strategic products, and strengthen commitment of foreign investors to the national investment fund.
Indonesia will continue to join negotiations in border demarcation with other countries including Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, strongly adhering to international law.
The Minister stressed that UNCLOS 1982 shall remain the basis for the conduct of the maritime boundaries delimitation negotiations, and any claim by any party must be made in compliance with international law including UNCLOS 1982.
She said Indonesia will continue to reject any claims that lack international legal basis.
Marsudi went on that Indonesia’s diplomacy is also aimed at contributing towards peace and humanity in the region and the world.
The country will continue promoting ASEAN’s central role and solidity, and peace and humanitarian aid in Myanmar, the Middle East and Afghanistan, the Indonesian FM said.
She noted that Indonesia's diplomatic sector will foster Indonesia’s G20 Presidency which will focus on strengthening global health architecture; energy transition; and digital transformation./.
Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has banned coal export from January 1-31 on all exporters holding IUP (Mining Business Licence), IUPK Production (Operation Special Mining Business Licence) and PKP2B (Concession Agreement), informed the Vietnam Trade Office in Indonesia.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has agreed to allocate 14.1 trillion rupiah (over 985 million USD) for four new schemes within the framework of the 2022 National Economic Recovery Programme.
The government of Indonesia has revoked more than 2,000 mining, plantation and forest-use permits which were deemed to not be in accordance with the original function, Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced on January 6.
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
A person in Indonesia receives COVID-19 vaccine jab (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) 
