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. 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 its significance as Australia’s key partner in various fields, including economics, politics, and security cooperation.
Albanese particularly applauded Prabowo’s national development initiatives, such as the Free Nutritious Meals Program for schoolchildren, as evidence of the government’s dedication to social welfare and human capital development. He drew parallels between this program and the region’s growth potential through free trade and stability, commending Indonesia’s leadership under Prabowo.
This visit marked Albanese’s first international trip since his re-election as Prime Minister, showcasing the strong relationship between Australia and Indonesia. In a light-hearted moment, Albanese jokingly mentioned Prabowo’s love for horseback riding, demonstrating a warm interaction between the two leaders. The visit reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding their strategic partnership, particularly in areas such as education, defense, sustainable economy, agriculture, and promoting people-to-people connections.
