Port Vila, Vanuatu | 20 August 2026
The Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat, Dr Anna Naupa, today welcomed a delegation from the Republic of Indonesia led by Mr Adi Dzulfuat, Director for Pacific Affairs and Oceania, for discussions on regional cooperation and matters of mutual interest.
Dr Naupa expressed the Secretariat’s sympathy to the Government and people of Indonesia following the devastating earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara and surrounding regions, causing tragic loss of life, widespread damage and also affected a number of Melanesian communities.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on developments in the region and to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation and people-to-people exchange between Indonesia, its Melanesian communities and Melanesian countries.
The MSG Secretariat recognised Indonesia’s presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council and registered interest to further engage in constructive dialogue and cooperate on matters affecting the dignity and human rights of Indonesia’s Melanesian peoples. The meeting was provided an update on Indonesia’s sustainable development efforts in support of Melanesian communities.
The meeting also discussed Indonesia’s valued support for regional security cooperation, having hosted the 9th MSG Police Commissioners Conference and 4th MSG Police Ministers Meeting in October 2025, and also potential future cooperation in areas of trade, in alignment with the MSG Free Trade Agreement.
Dr Naupa reaffirmed the MSG Secretariat’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation, economic integration, and sustainable development for the benefit of Melanesian people.
The Indonesian delegation expressed appreciation to the MSG Secretariat for the opportunity to meet and exchange perspectives on areas of shared interest.
Indonesia has been an Associate Member of the MSG since 2015.
