Wahyu Dwi Anggoro
IDXChannel - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received a working visit from Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape at Bogor Palace on Monday (15/7/2024).
The two leaders agreed on four memoranda of understanding (MoU) in the fields of cross-border movement for commercial buses, cross-border transport of goods, health cooperation, and education cooperation.
The Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the meeting were:
1. MoU on Cross Border Movement for Commercial Buses and Coaches
This MoU will regulate the mechanism for public transportation carrying passengers across the border from Jayapura to Vanimo.
2. MoU on Cross Border Transport of Goods by Motor Vehicles
The MoU is intended to regulate the crossing of goods that can be carried by public transport passengers crossing the border from Jayapura to Vanimo.
3. MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Health
This is an update of the 2018 MoU which expired in 2022. The MoU addresses general welfare and public health issues in the border region.
4. MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Education
An umbrella for future cooperation in the field of education, including training and capacity building for educators and scholarships.
Regarding bilateral cooperation, both leaders affirmed that the implementation of a defence cooperation agreement is essential to strengthen the security of both countries. Indonesia welcomed the second Joint Business Forum.
