Bangladesh Puts Five Proposals to Indonesia, Including On-Arrival Visas
Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Anis Matta is on an official visit to Bangladesh from October 5 to 9 at the invitation of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir. During their October 6 meeting, Bangladesh proposed wider market access for its pharmaceuticals, jute and potatoes, a disaster management MoU and a move towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, while Indonesia proposed long-term joint projects and direct Dhaka-Jakarta flights.
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In a Nutshell:
- Kobir proposed restoring visa on arrival for Bangladeshis in Indonesia, increasing Indonesian imports of Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals, procuring Bangladeshi jute bags through a G2G arrangement, opening Indonesia’s market to Bangladeshi potatoes and signing a disaster management MoU.
- Bangladesh also proposed elevating bilateral economic ties towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
- Matta said Indonesia is interested in upgrading bilateral relations to a long-term strategic partnership, with priority joint projects over the next five to 10 years.
- Matta encouraged both sides to explore direct flights between Dhaka and Jakarta.
- Kobir highlighted Indonesia as the world’s largest halal food consumer market and sought stronger cooperation in the halal sector.
- Bangladesh sought Indonesia’s continued support for its ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership application, RCEP membership and safe, dignified and sustainable Rohingya repatriation. Matta assured continued support.
Context
Bangladesh and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1972 and have built a broad relationship covering trade, energy, investment, education, tourism and disaster management. Bilateral trade averaged around $3 billion annually over the past five years and reached about $3.6 billion in 2025, although the balance remains heavily in Indonesia’s favour. The two countries have also been negotiating a Preferential Trade Agreement. This latest push builds on recent engagement rather than starting a new relationship. During a September 9 courtesy call by Indonesian Ambassador Listyowati on Kobir, the two sides discussed disaster management, trade, energy investment and other areas of cooperation. Bangladesh has also been seeking Indonesian backing for its ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership application and RCEP membership.
Why It Matters
Indonesia’s 280 million-plus market gives Bangladesh room to expand exports of pharmaceuticals, jute bags and potatoes, while its position as the world’s largest halal food consumer market creates another opening for Bangladeshi businesses. That is where direct Dhaka-Jakarta flights could make a difference by making business travel, investment, tourism, and educational exchanges easier. The proposed disaster management MoU similarly builds on the relationship beyond trade. It follows the September 9 discussion between Kobir and Ambassador Listyowati and comes as Indonesia faces its most intense wildfire haze in 11 years.
What We Think
On the other hand, Indonesia might emerge as more than just another economic partner. As a member of both ASEAN and RCEP, Indonesia’s backing of Bangladesh’s ambitions to join both fora is a potentially positive signal. It shows that Indonesia can be a strong regional partner that will have Bangladesh’s back.