Widodo praises heroic alliance

IN the Marvel version of Indonesian and Australian relations, the nations are superheroes fighting against intolerance, protectionism and climate change.

That’s the vision of Indonesian president Joko Widodo, who yesterday addressed federal parliament while on a visit to sign a historic trade deal with Australia.

“The collaboration of the Indonesian-Australia partnership, in the midst of the rising global uncertainties, can be illustrated by the movie Avengers: Endgame,” he told the packed chamber.

“When the forces of good unite, the Avengers assemble and the common enemy can be defeated.

“When Indonesia and Australia continue to collaborate and work together, then intolerance and protectionism and the fear of poverty and the threat of climate change can be overcome.”

Mr Widodo addressed a gathering of members and senators in parliament, an honour also granted to his predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2010.

The president earned chuckles for dropping a favourite Australian colloquialism at the start of his speech: “G’day mate”.

Mr Widodo also used his address to call for greater ties between Indonesian and Australian youth, who he praised as the “leaders of tomorrow”.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese presented Mr Widodo with a colourful mosaic bowl from bushfire-ravaged Mogo on the NSW south coast.

Mr Albanese said the gift was to remind Mr Widodo of his nation’s support to communities struggling after bushfires, with Indonesian military, engineers and medical staff helping with relief efforts.

The trade agreement, passed by the Indonesian parliament last week, aims to boost multi-billion dollar ties.

Australia will open Indonesia’s first foreign university campus and consider watering down its travel warnings.

But Prime Minister Scott Morrison says challenges around terrorism, foreign fighters and influence are still front of mind.

The Prime Minister announced Monash University would set up Indonesia’s first foreign campus – a move he described as “a very good example of how this is a two-way street”.