This article highlights Indonesian Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s whirlwind visit to five Southeast Asian countries in just three days. He met with national leaders in Brunei Darussalam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss strategic issues.
In Brunei, Prabowo discussed defense cooperation and education with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, inviting Bruneian military officers to enroll in master’s programs at the Republic of Indonesia Defence University (RIDU).
In Laos, he met with President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to discuss mutual benefits in defense and regional stability within ASEAN.
In Cambodia, Prabowo emphasized the importance of exploring new collaboration opportunities for strong and responsive defense partnerships with Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
In Thailand, he attended a dinner hosted by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and met with newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressing appreciation for their friendship.
Finally, in Malaysia, Prabowo met with Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss defense cooperation and strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
After completing his visits, Prabowo returned to Indonesia with a commitment to creating harmonious and mutually beneficial bilateral defense relationships with the Southeast Asian nations.
