Indonesian Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto recently wrapped up a quick but impactful visit to five Southeast Asian countries in just three days. During his visit, he met with national leaders to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss strategic issues.
Prabowo’s first stop was in Brunei Darussalam, where he held discussions with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman on September 5. The focus of the meeting was on defense cooperation and education, with Prabowo extending an invitation to Bruneian military officers to enroll in master’s programs at the Republic of Indonesia Defence University (RIDU).
After Brunei, Prabowo made his way to Laos, where he engaged with President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on mutual benefits in defense and regional stability within ASEAN.
Next, Prabowo traveled to Cambodia to meet with Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, emphasizing the importance of seeking new collaboration opportunities for stronger defense partnerships.
In Thailand, Prabowo attended a dinner hosted by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter, newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressing gratitude for their family’s friendship.
The final destination on Prabowo’s tour was Malaysia, where he met with Sultan Ibrahim at the Istana Negara to discuss defense cooperation and strategic matters. He also had a meeting with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to further strengthen bilateral defense cooperation and regional relations.
Overall, Prabowo’s visit to these Southeast Asian countries aimed to deepen relationships and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation, especially in defense. He reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to fostering harmonious and mutually beneficial bilateral defense relationships with its neighbors.
After completing his engagements, Prabowo returned to Indonesia, marking the end of his whirlwind tour.
