Trade, China and climate change on agenda for Joko Widodo’s Australian visit

A whirlwind visit from the President of one of Australia's closest neighbours is set to end in a relaxation of visa requirements for some travellers.

An easing of visa requirements for Indonesian business travellers is set to be announced as Australia seeks to strengthen economic ties, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed.

President Joko Widodo touched down in Sydney for a brief 36-hour visit for talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with a focus on bolstering trade, regional security and climate change.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Senator Wong said foreshadowed the government would relax its visa rules for business travellers coming from the neighbouring country.

“It’s one of the things that has been consistently raised with us,” she told ABC’s Radio National.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Indonesia last June, where President Joko Widodo gave him a tour of the palace grounds in a cart. Picture: AAP Image/Pool, Alex Ellinghausen

“One of the things we're focused on is how do we improve our economic ties. Obviously, Indonesia is an increasing economic power and will be over the next decade. We want to make sure we're partners in that.

“So there will be a great focus on the economy and the economic relationship. As part of that, you’ll see some visa changes to make sure we make business travel easier.”

Mr Albanese will hold formal one-on-one talks with Mr Widodo at Taronga Zoo before they visit a Sumatran tiger exhibit.

The two nations‘ leaders are also expected to discuss regional security issues, tension in the region and the AUKUS partnership.

Indonesia was critical of the AUKUS security pact, under which Australia would acquire eight nuclear-powered submarines, when it was first inked in 2021.

Mr Widodo told the Nine newspapers prior to his whirlwind visit to Sydney that he had now accepted the decision from Canberra.

Senator Wong said the federal government was conscious of Indonesia’s concerns the pact would result in the proliferation of nuclear material in the region.

“We share the same motivations, we want a peaceful and stable region, and we acquired the new submarine capability and participate in AUKUS with that objective in mind,” she said.

Asked if Australia would request Indonesia allow the nuclear submarines within their waters, the Foreign Minister said the government was not currently focused on “those sorts of operational matters”.

The two often describe themselves as ‘good friends’. Picture: Dita Alangkara / POOL / AFP)

Mr Widodo, whose presidential term is up in February, has also flagged his hopes of clinching a landmark deal with Australia on electric vehicles while in Sydney, which he believes can make the countries major players in an industry overwhelmingly dominated by China.

He told Nine Newspapers he was hopeful the trip would culminate in an agreement for the neighbours to team up on batteries.

The two leaders will address the media after their annual leaders meeting on Tuesday afternoon.