Thailand and Indonesia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the halal industry through the development of regional and global value chains as part of their strategic partnership.
The two countries will also deepen economic integration by expanding investment and enhancing cooperation in key strategic sectors. Indonesia is home to the world's largest Muslim population.
The agreements were endorsed during Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's official visit to Jakarta on Monday and Tuesday at the invitation of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Anutin's official visit to Jakarta marks his first since taking office as Thailand's 32nd prime minister in September last year. It is also the first visit by a serving Thai prime minister to Indonesia in 15 years.
At a joint press conference on Monday, Prabowo said the two countries are committed to strengthening political and security cooperation. He also thanked the Thai government for assisting in the repatriation of Indonesian nationals who have fallen victim to online fraud.
"The number is quite significant, approaching 1,000 Indonesian citizens. This is truly meaningful assistance and demonstrates the close ties between Indonesia and Thailand," Prabowo said.
The two countries also set a target of increasing bilateral trade to US$23 billion from nearly US$20 billion currently, reflecting their push for closer economic cooperation.
Together, their combined population of more than 350 million represents a vast market with significant growth potential.
"Thailand and Indonesia should bridge mainland ASEAN with the archipelago, positioning Thailand as a central manufacturing hub and Indonesia as a vast market and maritime economic gateway," Anutin said.
Speaking at the Indonesia-Thailand Business Forum in Jakarta on Tuesday, Anutin called for the two nations to move beyond being trading partners and become "co-creation partners" by integrating production, investment, technology and innovation.
Addressing the forum under the theme "Advancing the Indonesia–Thailand Strategic Partnership: Building Integrated Value Chains in Industry, Services, and Halal Economy,"
Anutin said deeper ASEAN economic integration was "not an option, but a necessity" in the face of global economic volatility, adding that Thailand and Indonesia should play a leading role in driving the process.
Anutin said bilateral cooperation should go beyond trade to focus on joint investment, technology development and creating greater value within the region.
He said the success of Thailand-Indonesia relations should be measured not only by trade figures but also by stronger industries, more integrated supply chains and a more competitive ASEAN, urging businesses from both countries to turn their shared vision into concrete investments and tangible cooperation.
Anutin also witnessed the exchange of four memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between Thai and Indonesian government agencies and private-sector organisations covering tourism promotion, strategic marketing and communications, carbon market cooperation, and broader economic collaboration.
On Monday evening, Anutin also witnessed a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta during which President Prabowo received an honorary insignia from the Royal Thai Army's Special Warfare Command in recognition of his contribution to strengthening security cooperation between the two countries.
