Jakarta — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has offered high praise for the Free Nutritious Meals Program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, calling it a tangible example of Indonesia’s national development aimed at improving the lives of its people.
In his official remarks following a bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace on Thursday (May 15), Albanese emphasized the importance of the initiative as part of Indonesia’s broader transformation agenda.
“This growth and transformation is a testament to the hard work and aspirations of the Indonesian people, and to national development programs that improve quality of life—such as President Prabowo’s initiative to provide free nutritious meals,” Albanese said.
He reaffirmed Indonesia’s central role in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting its growing influence in ensuring peace, prosperity, and stability. Albanese also underscored that Indonesia’s rapid progress holds strategic significance not just for the region, but also for Australia’s bilateral ties.
“I’m here in Indonesia because no relationship matters more to Australia than this one,” he stated. “And no country is more important to the prosperity, security, and stability of the Indo-Pacific region than Indonesia.”
The leaders’ bilateral meeting marked a new chapter in Australia–Indonesia strategic cooperation, covering key areas such as defense, trade, investment, and support for Indonesia’s bid to join the OECD and the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership).
Albanese concluded by emphasizing that the partnership between the two nations is grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a vision for inclusive regional growth. He also paid tribute to the historical ties between Australia and Indonesia, dating back to Indonesia’s struggle for independence.
“From the beginning, ours has been a partnership with a purpose—a bond between peoples, and a bond between nations. And that’s where the future of our relationship lies: in our people. Australians and Indonesians working side by side, building shared values and interests to strengthen the stability, prosperity, and security of the region we all love,” he said.
