President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today met with President Joko Widodo of Indonesia. President Biden underscored the importance of the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership and they discussed ways to strengthen it. The President welcomed Indonesia's forthcoming G20 Presidency and expressed support for Indonesia's leadership in the Indo-Pacific as the world's third largest democracy and a strong proponent of the international rules-based order. They reflected on the recent U.S.-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit, and the President reiterated the U.S. commitment to ASEAN centrality and our support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.They also discussed regional issues, including maritime security and the importance of freedom of the seas. They expressed concern about the coup in Burma and agreed the Burmese military must cease violence, release all political prisoners, and provide for a swift return to democracy. President Biden expressed support for ASEAN's efforts to hold the Burmese military accountable to the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. Additionally, they discussed efforts to address the climate crisis, strengthen global health security, and provide life-saving U.S. vaccines and assistance to end the COVID-19 pandemic. President Biden emphasized that he intends to continue his engagement with President Widodo as the two leaders work to deepen this critical partnership.
