Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese began his official three-day visit to Indonesia on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. He arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta at 6:30 p.m. local time and was welcomed by high-ranking Indonesian officials, including Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and both countries’ ambassadors.
The formal agenda kicked off the next morning at the Merdeka Palace, where President Prabowo Subianto greeted PM Albanese in a state ceremony. Ministers from the Indonesian cabinet and ambassadors from both nations were in attendance. Hundreds of students waved Indonesian and Australian flags, highlighting the symbolic importance of the visit.
Comprehensive Talks to Advance Strategic Partnership
Following the ceremony, the two leaders held a tête-à-tête and a bilateral meeting with their respective delegations. Presidential Secretariat official Yusuf Permana stated, “Following the welcoming ceremony, President Prabowo and Prime Minister Albanese will hold a tête-à-tête and a bilateral meeting. Afterwards, the two leaders will deliver a joint press statement regarding the topics discussed.”
The discussions focused on advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and enhancing cooperation in trade, security, and regional stability within the Indo-Pacific. The visit also marked Albanese’s first bilateral engagement since his re-election.
Quoted by bisnis.com, Albanese said, “There is no more important relationship for Australia in this region than our relationship with Indonesia.” He recalled hosting President Prabowo in Canberra last year, between Indonesia’s historic election and his official inauguration.
“This is my fourth visit to Indonesia as Prime Minister, and I’m honored that it is my first bilateral visit since our election,” Albanese said at the State Palace on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Albanese emphasized Indonesia’s vital role in Southeast Asia and its growing global importance. “Indonesia is already the fourth-largest country by population and is projected to become the world’s fifth-largest economy by the end of the next decade,” he said.
He also praised Prabowo’s initiative to provide free nutritious meals for students, calling it “the result of the hard work and aspirations of the Indonesian people.”
Shared Vision for Indo-Pacific Stability
In support of Indonesia’s international ambitions, Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s full backing. “I assure you, Mr. President, that Australia fully supports Indonesia’s efforts to join the OECD and CPTPP,” he said.
He further emphasized that regional peace, fair trade, and mutual respect must guide the future of the Indo-Pacific.
“Those of us who have benefited from this international framework have a responsibility to uphold and strengthen it. Indonesia is a very important partner for Australia, and our two nations share an unbreakable bond” he stated, as reported by metrotvnews.com.
President Prabowo responded positively, saying, “As you know, our countries have long enjoyed strong relations. Your visit further highlights our commitment to strengthening this bond.”
Albanese also referred to the 2024 defense agreement signed in Canberra as a milestone for bilateral security cooperation. He said the treaty paves the way for collaboration in maritime security, counterterrorism, and disaster response.
Closing his remarks, Albanese expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome: “It is a great honor to represent the country I love in a region we both cherish.”
Source: presidenri.go.id, investor.id, bisnis.com, metrotvnews.com
Special Photo Credit: ANTARA/Mentari Dwi Gayati/nbl
