Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly praised 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 commended Prabowo’s vision in strengthening partnerships and addressing regional challenges. He emphasized Indonesia’s crucial role in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the country as a key partner for Australia in various areas such as economics, politics, and security cooperation.
Albanese specifically lauded Prabowo’s efforts in national development, citing initiatives like the Free Nutritious Meals Program for schoolchildren as evidence of the government’s dedication to social welfare and human capital development. Drawing a connection between this program and the region’s potential for growth through free trade and stability, Albanese praised Indonesia’s leadership under Prabowo.
This visit marked Albanese’s first international trip since his re-election as Prime Minister and emphasized the strong relationship between Australia and Indonesia. In a light-hearted moment, Albanese jokingly mentioned Prabowo’s love for horseback riding, showcasing a friendly rapport between the two leaders. The visit reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding their strategic partnership, particularly in the fields of education, defense, sustainable economy, agriculture, and fostering people-to-people connections.
