Indonesia Reaffirms Commitment to MSG: We Are Not Just Partners, We Are Family

Port Vila: Indonesia reiterated its firm commitment to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), calling for stronger economic cooperation and unity among member states. Representing Indonesia at the MSG Leaders’ Summit, Vice Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir conveyed warm greetings from President Prabowo Subianto and expressed support for the leadership of Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who officially assumed the MSG Chairmanship.

“We congratulate Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Republic of Fiji for their warm hospitality and for taking on the MSG Chair,” the Vice Foreign Minister stated from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Wednesday, 25 June 2025.

Gratitude was also extended to the Republic of Vanuatu for its previous leadership and to the MSG Secretariat for its continued dedication.

Marking a decade since becoming an Associate Member of the MSG, Indonesia emphasized its commitment to the group’s shared values and vision. “This is a journey built on trust, respect, and common purpose,” Arrmanatha said.

“MSG is not merely a regional platform—it is a strategic force in the Pacific,” Arrmanatha added.

Citing data shared by leaders at the summit, Indonesia highlighted that MSG countries account for 86% of the Pacific Islands’ population, 98% of the region’s GDP, and nearly half of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“This is not just scale. This is strategic strength,” the former Indonesia’s Ambassador for UN emphasized, urging the MSG to evolve into a coalition of solution-makers.

Indonesia called on the MSG to make economic development its guiding objective, drawing lessons from its successful regional cooperation within ASEAN.

“Development was the glue that brought ASEAN together. MSG can and must replicate that momentum,” Arrmanatha urged.

Indonesia proposed a series of initiatives for deeper collaboration, including:

• Advancing a sustainable blue economy
• Building environmental resilience
• Enhancing security cooperation
• Investing in health and human capital
• Expanding infrastructure development

To support human capacity building, Indonesia continues to offer scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and vocational health programs. Jakarta also pledged continued backing for the MSG Roadmap on Sustainable Inshore Fisheries, including a follow-up training initiative in 2025.

Cultural ties were also emphasized, with Indonesia confirming its participation in the 8th Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFEST) in Fiji next year. Furthermore, Indonesia committed to supporting the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, including financial contributions to the Pacific Resilience Facility.

Amid rising external influence in the region, Indonesia urged MSG nations to define their own destiny. “MSG must be the architect of its future—not a bystander to outside agendas,” the Vice Minister said, stressing unity grounded in respect for sovereignty and regional solidarity.

“With over 13 million Melanesians in 9 out of Indonesia’s 38 provinces, we are not just partners. We are family,” Arrmanatha added.

“Let us rise together—not as fragmented economies, but as a shared powerhouse for the Pacific,” Arrmanatha concluded.