Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly praised Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, describing him as a leader with vision and determination to advance regional cooperation and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Speaking during a joint press conference following a bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace on Thursday (May 15), Albanese expressed strong appreciation for Prabowo’s leadership style and regional outlook.
“I see President Prabowo as a leader with the vision and resolve to build a stronger partnership and to address shared challenges and opportunities in our region,” Albanese said.
Albanese underlined Indonesia’s crucial role in ensuring peace, prosperity, and stability across the Indo-Pacific, calling it Australia’s most important partner in the region—economically, politically, and in terms of security cooperation.
He also commended several of Prabowo’s national development initiatives, particularly the Free Nutritious Meals Program for schoolchildren, which he viewed as a symbol of the government’s broader commitment to social welfare and human capital development.
“Like President Prabowo’s nutritious meal initiative—your nation’s growth and that of the region reflects the prosperity and opportunities that come from free and fair trade, peace, and stability,” he said.
Albanese’s trip to Jakarta marks his first overseas visit since being re-elected as Prime Minister, underscoring the depth of Australia–Indonesia relations. In a moment of light-heartedness, he joked about Prabowo’s well-known passion for horseback riding.
“As the rider of horses, I am a good Prime Minister,” he quipped, prompting warm laughter from Prabowo and attendees.
The visit reinforced both nations’ commitment to deepening their strategic partnership, particularly in the areas of education, defense, green economy, agriculture, and people-to-people ties.
