Indonesia and Belarus Deepen Cooperation for Enhanced Food Security and Agricultural Technology

High-Level Discussions Bolster Bilateral Ties

Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia and Belarus are actively pursuing deeper cooperation in agricultural development and technological capacity to enhance food security, following a series of high-level meetings throughout 2025. The most recent discussions took place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Jakarta, where Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto received Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich. These talks underscored both nations' commitment to strengthening food resilience and modernizing agricultural practices.

Minister Hartarto emphasized Indonesia's need for technological support, stating, 'Indonesia requires technological support, including modern agricultural machinery, to bolster its food security. In this context, we view Belarus as a strategic partner possessing relevant experience and capacity.' Deputy Prime Minister Karankevich affirmed Belarus's readiness to assist, noting, 'Belarus stands ready to support Indonesia in bolstering its food security, including through the expansion of supplies of fertilizers and various agricultural commodities, such as milk and its derivative products.'

Strategic Engagements Throughout 2025

The recent meeting builds upon several significant engagements between the two countries this year. In July 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited Belarus, hosted by President Alexander Lukashenko, setting the stage for subsequent cooperative efforts. Further discussions occurred on December 1, 2025, in Jakarta, involving Indonesian Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman and Dmitry Lukashenko, son of the Belarusian President. During this meeting, Minister Sulaiman highlighted Indonesia's need for specific imports, stating, 'We need milk, and we also need potash. These are crucial because some of these commodities can't be produced in Indonesia. What matters is affordability and quality.'

Earlier in the year, from August 5-7, 2025, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov visited Jakarta, engaging with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan. These meetings solidified agreements for Belarus to supply agricultural machinery, fertilizers, and food products such as meat and dairy, while also offering technology transfer and project support. Additionally, in June 2025, a meeting between Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Belarusian Ambassador to Indonesia Raman Ramanouski focused on securing potash fertilizer supplies.

Key Areas of Collaboration and Mutual Benefit

The discussions have identified multiple avenues for collaboration, focusing on:

• Agricultural Technology and Mechanization: Indonesia seeks modern agricultural machinery and expertise from Belarus to improve productivity and implement its food estate program.
• Commodity Trade: Belarus is prepared to supply Indonesia with essential agricultural products like dairy, meat, and potash fertilizers. In return, Indonesia aims to increase exports of crude palm oil (CPO), cocoa, coconut milk, rubber, and seafood to Belarus.
• Investment and Joint Ventures: Opportunities are being explored for Belarusian investment in Indonesia's fertilizer production, as well as joint ventures in developing agricultural machinery and heavy industrial equipment.
• Digitalization and Education: Both nations are keen on digitalizing the agricultural sector to attract younger generations and are prioritizing cooperation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and research.

Future Outlook and Strategic Importance

Indonesia views Belarus as a strategic partner, particularly in strengthening its national food security programs and accelerating upstream agricultural industries. Belarus, with its extensive experience in food security and agricultural exports, is keen to support Indonesia's goals. The ongoing dialogue also includes efforts to advance a free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Belarus is a member, aiming to further facilitate trade and economic expansion. These comprehensive talks underscore a mutual commitment to long-term cooperation, aiming for sustainable agricultural development and enhanced food resilience for both nations.