Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly praised Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, lauding his leadership qualities and dedication to enhancing regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. During a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Albanese expressed admiration for Prabowo’s vision in strengthening partnerships and addressing regional challenges. He highlighted Indonesia’s significant role in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing its importance as Australia’s key partner in various aspects, including economics, politics, and security cooperation.
Albanese specifically applauded Prabowo’s national development efforts, such as the Free Nutritious Meals Program for schoolchildren, as a testament to the government’s commitment to social welfare and human capital development. Drawing parallels between this initiative and the region’s growth potential through free trade and stability, Albanese praised Indonesia’s leadership under Prabowo.
This visit, Albanese’s first international trip since his re-election as Prime Minister, underscored the strong Australia-Indonesia relationship. In a light-hearted moment, Albanese humorously referenced Prabowo’s fondness for horseback riding, showcasing a warm exchange between the two leaders. The visit reaffirmed both nations’ dedication to expanding their strategic partnership, particularly in education, defense, sustainable economy, agriculture, and fostering people-to-people connections.
