Prabowo and Albanese Pledge to Deepen Strategic Ties Across Defense, Trade, and Energy

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JAKARTA, investortrust.id — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed the strength of their nations’ strategic partnership during a high-level bilateral meeting in Jakarta on Thursday, May 15, just two days after Albanese’s re-election.

Albanese’s decision to make Indonesia his first overseas destination was met with warm praise from President Prabowo, who described it as a "great honor" and a strong signal of bilateral friendship.

“This visit—so soon after Your Excellency’s inauguration—is a profound gesture. Indonesia deeply appreciates it,” said Prabowo during a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace.

 

Defense, Trade, and MSMEs in Focus

The two leaders discussed wide-ranging areas of cooperation, from defense to economic empowerment. Both sides agreed to expedite the ratification of a defense cooperation agreement signed last year, signaling deeper security ties amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

On economic matters, Prabowo emphasized the need to boost trade, investment, and joint efforts in developing Indonesia’s agriculture, fisheries, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He called on Australia to support the capacity-building of Indonesian farmers and small businesses, particularly in meeting international standards.

“We want Indonesian fruits and fish products to enter more global markets, including Australia,” said Prabowo.

The meeting also touched on cooperation in the green economy, particularly in energy transition and the development of electric vehicle ecosystems. Both countries pledged to work together on critical minerals and clean energy innovation.

Strengthening Regional and Global Roles

President Prabowo expressed gratitude for Australia’s support in Indonesia’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the OECD. He also appreciated Australia’s backing for Indonesia’s expanding role in South Pacific regional affairs.

“Such support is very meaningful for our foreign policy,” Prabowo said.

Prime Minister Albanese, for his part, described Indonesia as an “irreplaceable partner” and emphasized Canberra’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

“This is the right moment for us to enhance our cooperation under our comprehensive economic partnership,” said Albanese, highlighting Indonesia’s central role in ASEAN and the region’s dynamic growth trajectory.

Symbolic Diplomacy and Cultural Gestures

The Australian delegation received a full ceremonial welcome at the Merdeka Palace, including a military honor guard, marching band, and flag-waving students. A 19-gun salute rang out as both national anthems were played in succession.

After a closed-door tête-à-tête and an extended bilateral meeting, both leaders signed the guest book and posed for photos, before delivering their joint statement.

The day’s agenda concluded with a state luncheon at the State Palace. Prabowo, known for his informal diplomatic charm, even invited Albanese to return for a longer visit, jokingly suggesting a two- or three-week vacation—complete with horseback riding at his private estate in Hambalang.

A Strategic Bond in a Shifting Region

The series of meetings underscored the growing alignment between Jakarta and Canberra as both governments seek to navigate a changing regional order, with heightened tensions in the South China Sea, economic reconfiguration in the post-pandemic era, and global energy transition challenges.

Prabowo reaffirmed that Indonesia and Australia are bound not only by geography but by shared strategic interests.

“In our culture, a good neighbor is the one who helps first in times of trouble,” said Prabowo. “And Australia has shown that spirit.”