Australian PM Albanese Gifts Cat ‘Bobby Kertanegara’ Symbolic Scarf
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: In a symbolic gesture of affection, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presented a red scarf collar to “Bobby Kertanegara,” the pet cat of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, during a warm and informal dinner held at the President’s residence in Jakarta on Thursday evening.
According to an official statement released Friday, Prime Minister Albanese arrived with members of the Australian government and was personally received by President Subianto. The dinner was also attended by several high-ranking officials from the Merah Putih Cabinet, including Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid, and Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Angga Raka Prabowo.
Albanese and Subianto wore matching brown batik shirts, adding to the atmosphere of camaraderie. After a warm handshake, the two leaders entered the residence to the sound of traditional music.
The evening unfolded in a relaxed and cordial manner, with meaningful dialogue shared over dinner. A moment of light-hearted diplomacy occurred when Bobby Kertanegara — dressed in batik and brought in a stroller bearing his name — was introduced to Prime Minister Albanese.
Bobby’s stroller was positioned beside the Australian Prime Minister, who warmly petted and held the feline, prompting applause from attendees. In a notable moment, Albanese presented Bobby with a red scarf collar imprinted with the message “Australia ♥ Indonesia” and offered him some snacks.
The occasion marked Prime Minister Albanese’s first official overseas visit following his re-election and swearing-in on Tuesday, May 13.
In his welcome remarks, President Subianto expressed appreciation for the visit, highlighting the significance of strong and enduring ties between Indonesia and Australia. “Maintaining and strengthening the relationship between close neighbors is important,” he stated.
The evening symbolized not only the personal rapport between the two leaders but also the deepening of friendship between the two nations.
