Bangladesh and Indonesia discuss a strategic partnership, CEPA, direct flights, pharmaceuticals, jute, potatoes, halal trade and Rohingya repatriation.
DHAKA, Oct 7, 2026 — Bangladesh and Indonesia have agreed to explore ways to elevate their bilateral relationship towards a long-term strategic partnership, with Dhaka proposing stronger cooperation in trade, investment, energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and disaster management.
The understanding came during a meeting between Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Anis Matta and Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the latter’s office in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The two sides discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade and investment, energy, health, disaster management, education and training, consular matters, and issues of mutual interest at regional and multilateral forums, according to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, Kobir placed five specific proposals aimed at deepening bilateral ties.
Dhaka proposed the restoration of visa-on-arrival facilities for Bangladeshi nationals travelling to Indonesia, increased Indonesian imports of Bangladeshi pharmaceutical products, and government-to-government procurement of Bangladeshi jute bags for eco-friendly packaging of Indonesian coffee beans and other products.
Bangladesh also sought access to the Indonesian market for its potatoes and proposed institutional cooperation in disaster management.
In this connection, Kobir handed over a draft memorandum of understanding on disaster management to Matta.
The Bangladesh state minister also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in the halal sector, noting Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s largest halal consumer markets.
Dhaka further proposed that the two countries move towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to expand trade and economic cooperation.
Responding to the proposals, Matta expressed Indonesia’s interest in upgrading bilateral relations to a long-term strategic partnership.
He proposed that Bangladesh and Indonesia undertake priority joint projects over the next five to 10 years to build the foundation for such a partnership.
The Indonesian vice minister also encouraged both sides to explore the possibility of establishing direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Jakarta, saying improved connectivity would help strengthen people-to-people ties.
Kobir welcomed the proposal and appreciated Matta’s forward-looking approach to strengthening relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, Kobir thanked Indonesia for its continued support for Bangladesh at regional and international forums.
He sought Jakarta’s continued support for Bangladesh’s application for Sectoral Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN, its bid for membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and efforts for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh to their homeland in Myanmar.
Matta assured Bangladesh of Indonesia’s continued support on these issues.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including officials from its Southeast Asia Wing, as well as the ambassadors of Bangladesh and Indonesia based in the respective capitals.
Matta is visiting Bangladesh from October 5 to 9 at the invitation of State Minister Kobir.
