Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently commended Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for his leadership qualities and commitment to enhancing regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. During a joint press conference at the Merdeka Palace following a bilateral meeting, Albanese praised Prabowo’s vision in strengthening partnerships and addressing regional challenges. He acknowledged Indonesia’s crucial role in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting it as a key partner for Australia across various sectors, including economics, politics, and security cooperation.
Albanese specifically praised Prabowo’s efforts in national development, such as the Free Nutritious Meals Program for schoolchildren, as a demonstration of the Indonesian government’s dedication to social welfare and human capital development. By drawing parallels between this initiative and the region’s potential for growth through free trade and stability, Albanese commended Indonesia’s leadership under Prabowo.
This visit marked Albanese’s first international trip since his re-election as Prime Minister, emphasizing the strong Australia-Indonesia relationship. In a light-hearted moment, Albanese humorously mentioned Prabowo’s enjoyment of horseback riding, showcasing a friendly rapport between the two leaders. The visit reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding their strategic partnership, particularly in education, defense, sustainable economy, agriculture, and enhancing people-to-people connections.
