Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today met with the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Andriana Supandy, at Melanesian Haus in Waigani, Port Moresby, commending him for his distinguished service since 2023 and reaffirming Papua New Guinea’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Indonesia.
Prime Minister Marape described Ambassador Supandy’s tenure as productive, forward-looking, and transformative for relations between Port Moresby and Jakarta, noting the significant expansion of cooperation across multiple sectors. “Ambassador Supandy has been more than a representative of his country; he has been a true partner in deepening the bonds between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Under his leadership, our bilateral relationship has grown broader, deeper, and more strategic — anchored on mutual respect, neighbourly responsibility, and shared prosperity.”
During Ambassador Supandy’s tenure, high-level engagement between Prime Minister Marape and Indonesian leadership strengthened considerably. This included direct engagement with President Prabowo Subianto, as well as previous engagements with former President Joko Widodo.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that during Ambassador Supandy’s term, he was formally invited to Indonesia for bilateral meetings with the Indonesian President, and confirmed that President Prabowo Subianto has extended another invitation for him to visit Indonesia later this year. “This level of leader-to-leader engagement reflects the maturity of our relationship. I look forward to continuing these important discussions with President Prabowo Subianto when I visit Indonesia again later this year,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Expanding Cooperation Across Key Sectors
Prime Minister Marape highlighted several major areas of cooperation advanced during Ambassador Supandy’s service:
Education: Scholarships for Papua New Guinean students to study in Indonesian institutions have strengthened Human Capital Development. “We are grateful for Indonesia’s support in offering scholarships to our students. Education builds long-term bridges between nations. We want to see more of our young people study in Indonesia in the years ahead,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Health: Support and improvements extended to Port Moresby General Hospital were welcomed as part of broader Health-Sector collaboration. “Indonesia’s assistance in strengthening Health cooperation, including support to Port Moresby General Hospital, demonstrates genuine partnership that directly benefits our people,” he stated.
Defence and Security: A Defence Cooperation Agreement was progressed, reinforcing collaboration on border security, training, and regional stability.
“As neighbours sharing a common land border, Defence and Security cooperation is essential. We appreciate Indonesia’s constructive engagement in ensuring peace and stability along our shared border,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Transport and Connectivity: Negotiations are ongoing for the establishment of a direct flight between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia to enhance connectivity, trade, tourism, and business opportunities.
“Discussions to enable direct air connectivity between our two countries is a practical demonstration of growing economic ties going forward. This is aimed at reducing barriers and to encourage business, tourism, and people-to- people exchanges,” he noted.
Border Infrastructure and Electricity: Progress in Electricity Infrastructure cooperation along the PNG–Indonesia border has supported development and improved living standards in border communities.
“Our border must be a zone of opportunity. Infrastructure cooperation, including Electricity connectivity discussions, reflects our shared responsibility to improve the welfare of our border citizens,” Prime Minister Marape said.
People-to-People Relations and Visa Discussions: Discussions on Visa arrangements and enhanced people-to-people mobility are ongoing, aimed at facilitating smoother travel and deeper social and economic interaction.
“We are continuing conversations on Visa arrangements to make travel easier and more efficient for our citizens. Greater mobility will enhance business, tourism, education, and cultural exchange,” the Prime Minister stated.
A Forward-Looking Partnership
Prime Minister Marape emphasised that Papua New Guinea views Indonesia not only as a neighbour, but as a strategic partner and a major ASEAN economy whose development experience offers valuable lessons. “Indonesia’s journey in industrialisation, infrastructure expansion, and economic diversification provides important insights for Papua New Guinea as we pursue our own long-term development agenda,” he said.
He reiterated his Government’s commitment to expanding cooperation in education, agriculture, trade, fisheries, border commerce, and technical training. “We want to send more students to Indonesian universities, expand trade linkages, and strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors. This partnership is only just beginning to realise its full potential,” Prime Minister Marape said.
In thanking Ambassador Supandy, the Prime Minister conveyed the appreciation of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea. “On behalf of the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I sincerely thank His Excellency Andriana Supandy for his dedicated and impactful service. He leaves behind a legacy of strengthened trust, practical cooperation, and genuine friendship,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Our relationship with Indonesia is strong, stable, and future-focused. We will continue to build on the excellent foundation laid during Ambassador Supandy’s tenure, for the benefit of both our nations and our region.”
The Government of Papua New Guinea looks forward to welcoming the incoming Indonesian Ambassador and to advancing the next chapter of PNG–Indonesia relations with renewed ambition and shared purpose.