Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently commended Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for his strong leadership and commitment to regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Following a bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Albanese praised 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 like economics, politics, and security cooperation.
Albanese specifically acknowledged Prabowo’s efforts in national development, including initiatives like the Free Nutritious Meals Program for schoolchildren, as a reflection of the government’s dedication to social welfare and human capital development. Drawing a parallel between this program and the potential growth of the region through free trade and stability, Albanese commended Indonesia’s leadership under Prabowo.
This visit marked Albanese’s first international trip since being re-elected as Prime Minister and symbolized the strong relationship between Australia and Indonesia. In a lighthearted moment, Albanese jokingly referenced Prabowo’s love for horseback riding, showcasing a friendly rapport between the two leaders. The visit reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to enhancing their strategic partnership, particularly in areas like education, defense, sustainable economy, and people-to-people connections.