Jakarta — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presented a special gift to Indonesia on Thursday evening: a red scarf collar for President Prabowo Subianto’s cat, Bobby Kertanegara. The lighthearted gesture took place during a state dinner at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on May 15.

Albanese, accompanied by members of the Australian government, was welcomed personally by President Prabowo. Several Indonesian cabinet members were also in attendance, including Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, and Deputy Minister Angga Raka Prabowo.

Wearing a brown batik shirt that matched Prabowo’s, Albanese entered the dinner hall to the sound of traditional music after a warm handshake between the two leaders.

The evening unfolded in a relaxed and cordial atmosphere, with Prabowo and Albanese exchanging conversation over dinner. Midway through the event, Bobby—the President’s beloved cat—made an entrance in a stroller emblazoned with the name “Bobby Kertanegara.” Dressed in a matching brown batik outfit, Bobby quickly captured the room’s attention.

“Oh, Bobby!” several guests exclaimed as the cat was wheeled in and placed to Albanese’s left.

The Australian Prime Minister gently stroked Bobby’s head before lifting him up to a round of applause from the guests.

In a symbolic gesture, Albanese then draped a red scarf around Bobby’s neck. The scarf bore the inscription: “Australia ❤️ Indonesia.” He also offered Bobby a small treat.

This visit marked Albanese’s first international trip since winning re-election in Australia’s federal election and being sworn in for a new term on May 13.

In his welcome remarks, President Prabowo expressed gratitude to Albanese and the Australian delegation for visiting Indonesia. He underscored the importance of nurturing the close ties between the neighboring nations, calling the Indonesia-Australia relationship essential and worth strengthening.

(RR)