Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir expressed Indonesia's readiness to increase cooperation in strategic sectors with Pacific countries that are members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). "Indonesia is ready to strengthen partnerships with MSG countries in encouraging concrete economic cooperation from the ocean to the market and from the grassroots to the global level," said the Deputy Foreign Minister in a statement delivered at the 23rd MSG Summit in Suva, Fiji, Monday (23/6). According to a written statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta, Wednesday, the Deputy Foreign Minister stated that Indonesia proposed strengthening cooperation in five strategic sectors, including sustainable bureaucratic economics and environmental resilience. In addition, Indonesia is targeting increased collaboration in the defense cooperation sector, health and human capital development, and regional infrastructure development, he said. To support this, Indonesia will expand scholarship opportunities for Pacific country students at the undergraduate, master's, and health vocational levels.
Indonesia also continues to support the MSG Roadmap for Sustainable Coastal Fishing through the implementation of advanced training this year, said Arrmanatha. "Indonesia is also committed to supporting the implementation of the Blue Pacific Continent Strategy 2050, including by providing financial support for the Pacific Resilience Facility," said the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Arrmanatha highlighted the importance of strengthening this cooperation because MSG member countries have a strategic position amidst the increasingly aggressive external interests that seek to influence regional dynamics. "Moreover, MSG member countries represent 86% of the Pacific Island population, 98 percent of its GDP, and almost half of its exclusive economic zone," said Arrmanatha referring to the statement of Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat which was conveyed earlier. "With a population of 13 million Melanesian in 9 of 38 provinces, Indonesia is not only a partner, but also part of the MSG family," said the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
