Jakarta — Minister of Defense of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, also the newly elected president for the term 2024-2029, visited five countries in Southeast Asia within a span of three days to meet with each country’s leaders.
Prabowo’s first visit was to Brunei Darussalam to meet with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei Darussalam, on Thursday (5/9). Prabowo departed from Halim Perdana Kusuma Airport in Jakarta at 10:00 AM.
The meeting between Prabowo and the Sultan of Brunei discussed various strategic issues, particularly in the defense sector, and also related to collaboration in the field of education where Prabowo invited Brunei’s officers to pursue a Master’s program at the Republic of Indonesia Defence University (RIDU).
“We are pleased to invite Brunei’s military officers to enroll in the Master’s program offered at RIDU,” said Prabowo.
After his work visit to Brunei, Prabowo continued his journey to Laos, taking off from Brunei International Airport on Thursday, September 5 at 14:27 local time and arriving in Laos at 17:38 local time.
Upon his arrival in Laos, Prabowo met with the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith and the Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone on Friday, September 6, 2024.
During the two meetings, various strategic issues between Indonesia and Laos that would benefit both parties were discussed.
“We understand that Indonesia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have not only bilateral relations but also a commitment to regional stability and security within the ASEAN community,” said Prabowo.
Continuing his visit, from Laos, Prabowo proceeded to Cambodia at 11:38 local time and arrived in Cambodia at 12:40 to meet with the President of the Cambodian Senate, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo (Hun Sen), and the Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei (Hun Manet).
In the meeting with Hun Sen, Prabowo expressed his utmost appreciation to Cambodia for its sustained commitment to strengthening defense cooperation with Indonesia.
“In the future, it is crucial for both countries to actively seek and explore new opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that our partnership remains strong and responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities,” said Prabowo.
Subsequently, together with PM Hun Manet, Prabowo expressed his belief that Indonesia and Cambodia could work closely together to advance the prosperity and progress of both countries’ regions.
“By enhancing our collaboration, we can make a significant contribution to the well-being and development of ASEAN as a whole. I hope for our continuous partnership in achieving these common goals,” said Prabowo.
Still on the same day, Friday, September 6, 2024, Prabowo continued his official visit to Thailand. Prabowo was scheduled to depart from Cambodia at 17:37 local time and arrive in Thailand at 18:27.
During his visit to Thailand, Prabowo was accompanied by his son Didit Hediprasetyo to a dinner reception with former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter, the new Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok on Friday (6/9) evening.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, for inviting me to a warm dinner at your residence in Bangkok. Respecting the friendship between our families, and looking forward to your visit to Indonesia,” wrote Prabowo.
After staying in Thailand, on Saturday morning, Prabowo departed from Thailand to Malaysia at 09:11 local time and arrived in Malaysia at 11:06 local time.
In Malaysia, Prabowo’s agenda began with meeting the King of Malaysia, His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur.
In the meeting, both parties discussed strengthening defense cooperation and various other strategic issues. Prabowo wanted the collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia to continue.
“I appreciate the strong relationship between the two countries. We will continue to work towards enhancing cooperation, especially in the defense sector. I appreciate your good intentions and hope our partnership continues to grow for mutual benefit,” said Prabowo.
To conclude his visit to Asian countries, he met with his close friend, Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, after meeting with Sultan Ibrahim.
With Anwar Ibrahim, Prabowo discussed the commitment to bilateral cooperation that would continue to progress harmoniously in line with the strengthening ties between Indonesia and Malaysia in various fields.
“Thank you for the constructive discussion today. I reiterate the commitment of the Ministry of Defense of Indonesia to jointly create a harmonious and mutually beneficial bilateral defense relationship,” said Prabowo.
After visiting the five Southeast Asian countries, Prabowo departed back to Indonesia at 16:41 local time from Thailand and arrived in Indonesia at 20:20 WIB. (RR)
