Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, commending his leadership skills and commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Albanese praised Prabowo’s vision for building partnerships and addressing regional challenges during a joint press conference at the Merdeka Palace. He highlighted Indonesia’s vital role in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability in the region, emphasizing its significance as a key partner for Australia in various areas such as economics, politics, and security cooperation.
Specifically, Albanese applauded Prabowo’s efforts in national development, including initiatives like the Free Nutritious Meals Program for schoolchildren, as a demonstration of the government’s dedication to social welfare and human capital development. Drawing a connection between this program and the potential for growth in the region through free trade and stability, Albanese praised Indonesia’s leadership under Prabowo.
This meeting marked Albanese’s first international trip since his re-election as Prime Minister and highlighted the strong relationship between Australia and Indonesia. In a light-hearted moment, Albanese playfully mentioned Prabowo’s love for horseback riding, showcasing the warm rapport between the two leaders. The visit reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding their strategic partnership, particularly in areas like education, defense, sustainable economy, agriculture, and fostering people-to-people connections.
