Airlangga Explores Belarus Dairy Imports for Free Meals Program

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto discussed the possibility of increasing dairy imports from Belarus to support the implementation of Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. He made the remarks while receiving Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich in Jakarta on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between Indonesia and Belarus and to follow up on the outcomes of the 8th Session of the Indonesia–Belarus Joint Commission.

“Indonesia sees the importance of promoting cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for both countries, including through joint investments and the development of strategic projects that can serve as low-hanging fruits in Indonesia–Belarus economic relations,” Airlangga said.

During discussions on food security, Airlangga emphasized the importance of cooperation with Belarus to support Indonesia’s national food needs, including by increasing dairy product supplies in line with the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

Beyond dairy products, the two countries also explored cooperation in agriculture through the development of modern farming technologies, technology transfer, and the establishment of local assembly facilities for agricultural machinery. According to Airlangga, Belarus expressed its readiness to share its expertise in agricultural mechanization, including the development of harvesting equipment and agricultural transportation systems.

Meanwhile, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister, Viktor Karankevich, welcomed the strengthening of bilateral cooperation. He praised the outcomes of the 8th Indonesia–Belarus Joint Commission meeting and the Indonesia–Belarus Business Forum, which resulted in several agreements between businesses from both countries.

“Cooperation between the business communities of our two countries demonstrates enormous potential. The agreements reached today mark a new step toward strengthening economic relations between Indonesia and Belarus,” Karankevich said.

During the meeting, both sides also discussed accelerating the implementation of the Indonesia–Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (Indonesia–EAEU FTA) to expand market access and boost bilateral trade.

In addition to food security and trade, Indonesia and Belarus agreed to broaden cooperation in industry, healthcare, education, and human resource development as part of the implementation of the Roadmap for the Development of Key Areas of Cooperation between Belarus and Indonesia 2026–2030.