Indonesia and Mongolia Strengthen Partnership
Jakarta – Indonesia and Mongolia, commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations, held a Political Consultations Meeting in Jakarta on 26 February, marking a new chapter in strengthening bilateral partnership between the two countries.
The meeting was jointly chaired by Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha C. Nasir and Mongolian Deputy Foreign Minister Amartuvshin Gombosuren.
During the meeting, the two deputy foreign ministers exchanged views on bilateral relationship developments, which demonstrated positive trends and potential for expanded cooperation in strategic economics, defence, agriculture, education, health, people-to-people relations, tourism, and science and technology.
“The potential for Indonesia-Mongolia cooperation remains very broad. Increased engagement by business actors is key, including through memoranda of understanding between chambers of commerce as a bridge to expand trade, investment, and business partnerships,” said Arrmanatha.
In the agricultural sector, Indonesia is viewed as having the capacity to support increased human resources capacity through sustainable agriculture development training programmes.
In education, Arrmanatha continued, cooperation is strengthened through various Indonesian scholarship programmes, including The Indonesian Aid Scholarship (TIAS), Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship (BSBI), capacity-building training for Mongolian diplomats, and the Developing Countries Partnership programme.
“The two countries also discussed developments in the global geopolitical situation and efforts to increase collaboration in regional and multilateral forums,” he added.
As a concrete step to strengthen foreign policy dialogue, the two parties will explore establishing a Policy Planning Dialogue between the Foreign Ministries to deepen strategic coordination and exchange views regarding Indo-Pacific dynamics and global issues.
This meeting is a follow-up to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultation by the foreign ministers of both countries in Jakarta in May 2025, whilst also serving as the foundation for strengthening a more structured and sustainable bilateral dialogue architecture.
Indonesia-Mongolia bilateral relations continue to demonstrate positive trends, particularly in trade. Total bilateral trade in 2025 reached USD 56 million, with Indonesian exports valued at USD 49.5 million and imports from Mongolia at USD 6.5 million. The bilateral relationship is further strengthened by the presence of Mongolia’s only cultural centre in Southeast Asia, located in Tanjung Lesung, Banten.
“Indonesia is proud to host this strategic meeting. We hope Indonesia-Mongolia partnership continues to develop within a framework of more comprehensive, responsive cooperation to global challenges, and capable of providing tangible benefits for the peoples of both countries,” concluded Arrmanatha.