New Zealand and Indonesia have signed a new bilateral agreement to boost agricultural cooperation and trade, even as Indonesia faces growing international criticism over its repression of political activists in West Papua.
Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Investment Todd McClay met with his Indonesian counterpart, Andi Amran Sulaiman, in Jakarta, where they formalised a framework aimed at enhancing collaboration in livestock development, smart agriculture, biosecurity, and trade facilitation. A key feature of the agreement is the establishment of a Consultative Forum to streamline technical standards and regulatory requirements, reducing red tape for exporters and encouraging joint agricultural ventures. McClay’s visit forms part of the Government’s broader goal to double export value over the next decade.
The deepening ties come as Indonesia faces renewed scrutiny for its treatment of West Papuan independence activists. Benny Wenda, interim President of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), condemned the recent arrest and alleged mistreatment of 74-year-old tribal chief John Wenggi and 41 others during a private political gathering. Wenda accused Indonesian authorities of violating basic human rights and escalating political repression in response to ULMWP’s growing influence, particularly following its first legislative session in July. He called on international NGOs and allied governments to condemn the crackdown and support calls for an internationally-mediated referendum on independence.
smart agriculture? There’s that word “smart” again.
Well just look at the support for the Kiev regime and allowing the FBI, who are part of a foreign government infrastructure, one that supports Israel, who are committing genocide in Gaza to blithely set up shop, in our country. This should come as no surprise at all. Want decent government, my advice, don’t vote National or Labour.