• Today: October 23, 2026

Indonesia, Brunei strengthen cooperation in health, energy and security

Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam are expanding bilateral cooperation in health, energy, trade and security, Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Prof Dr Achmad Ubaedillah said at a diplomatic reception marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.

Speaking at the reception held at Royal Berkshire Hall, Tarindak D’Polo, Jerudong, on Wednesday evening, the ambassador highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries, underpinned by shared history, cultural ties, people-to-people connections and common aspirations as ASEAN members.

The event was attended by Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin as guest of honour.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin and Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Prof Dr Achmad Ubaedillah at the reception. PHOTOS: YUSRIN JUNAIDI

On bilateral developments, Prof Dr Achmad highlighted the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on health cooperation on June 20, aimed at strengthening healthcare systems through professional training, knowledge-sharing and the adoption of innovative technologies.

Economic ties have also advanced through a pharmaceutical business forum and business-matching event held in Brunei on August 3, involving Indonesian state-owned pharmaceutical companies, Bruneian distributors and the Brunei Darussalam Pharmaceutical Regulator.

Further business-matching activities involving pharmaceutical products and medical equipment, alongside visits to manufacturing facilities on October 12 and 13, are expected to support closer regulatory coordination and facilitate trade, he said.

The ambassador also identified opportunities for cooperation in oil and gas, supporting services and renewable energy, as well as investment partnerships through Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, Danantara Indonesia, particularly in energy infrastructure and industrial development.

Security cooperation has also expanded, with both countries signing an MoU on counter-narcotics in February to strengthen information exchange, enforcement, preventive education, treatment and rehabilitation.

Defence ties continue under the MoU on Defence Cooperation signed in 2003 and the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee established in 2014. Collaboration between the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces includes intelligence, joint exercises, education, training and logistics.

Prof Dr Achmad cited the sixth Brunesia High-Level Committee meeting, held at Bolkiah Garrison from September 13 to 15, as an example of the close partnership. The seventh meeting is scheduled to take place in Indonesia in 2028.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam cut a cake to mark the occasion. 

Beyond government-to-government relations, the ambassador highlighted cultural diplomacy as a way to strengthen people-to-people connections. The Indonesian Embassy plans to hold the Soto Nusantara Festival in early November to showcase the country’s culinary heritage.

The reception also recognised six members of the Indonesian community in Brunei for their contributions in arts and culture, business and trade, and education, research, science and technology.

The recipients were Ismaya bin H Sukardi for arts and culture; Mijanti D Rahardja, Acep Prasojo and Agus Dida Gustiawan for business and trade; and Prof Dr Yulfian Aminanda and Prof Dr Muhammad Nabil Almunawar for education, research, science and technology.

The event featured traditional Indonesian music and dance performances, alongside a variety of dishes from across the archipelago.

In his address, Prof Dr Achmad called on both countries to turn their shared vision into tangible progress and further strengthen their strategic partnership in support of regional prosperity, peace, security and stability.

He also noted Indonesia’s economic growth of 5.61 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 and an 8.5 per cent year-on-year increase in foreign direct investment, while outlining the country’s priorities in industrial downstreaming, biofuels, renewable energy and electric vehicle battery development.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

Venues

BSB

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Leave a Comment

Total visitors: 3,720,794 | Today's visitors: 20,408
Updated: 20:31:03