Prabowo Subianto Concludes Southeast Asia Tour to Strengthen Defense Ties
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto concluded a significant diplomatic tour of four ASEAN member countries—Brunei Darussalam, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia—this week to bolster defense cooperation across the region. The visit, spanning from September 5 to 7, also included an unofficial stop in Bangkok, Thailand, where he met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The diplomatic tour underscores Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing regional stability and security within the ASEAN framework. According to Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha, head of the ministry’s public relations bureau, Prabowo concluded the trip in Malaysia, where he met with Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim at the State Palace in Kuala Lumpur.
During their discussions, Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s dedication to deepening defense ties with Malaysia, emphasizing the importance of the two nations’ long-standing relationship.
“I appreciate the strong relationship between our two countries and will continue to strive to improve cooperation, especially in the defense sector. I appreciate the good wishes of Your Majesty and hope that our partnership will continue to grow for the common good,” Prabowo remarked.
He further expressed optimism about the upcoming 44th General Border Committee (GBC) Malaysia-Indonesia (Malindo) meeting, which will be hosted by Malaysia, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Prabowo’s tour began on Thursday in Brunei Darussalam, where he met with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Nurul Iman Palace in Bandar Seri Begawan. The two leaders explored potential areas of defense cooperation, with Prabowo offering scholarships for Brunei Armed Forces officers to pursue master’s programs at the Indonesian Defense University.
On Thursday evening, Prabowo traveled to Vientiane, Laos, where he met with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone the following day. In discussions with the Laotian leadership, Prabowo highlighted Indonesia’s shared commitment to ASEAN’s regional security and stability.
“We understand that Indonesia and Laos are not only establishing bilateral relations but are also committed to maintaining regional stability and security within the framework of the ASEAN community,” Prabowo conveyed.
He further proposed joint exercises and cooperation in disaster management, offering Indonesia’s expertise to enhance collective responses to natural disasters in the region.
Prabowo then proceeded to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he held talks with Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. During the meetings, Prabowo underscored the importance of Indonesia-Cambodia relations in contributing to ASEAN’s prosperity and development.
While meeting Hun Sen, Prabowo stressed the importance of future collaboration, stating, “In the future, it is very important for the two countries to actively seek and explore new opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that our partnership remains strong and responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities.”
Prabowo’s week-long tour underscores Indonesia’s proactive role in fostering defense cooperation across Southeast Asia, with a focus on enhancing regional security and advancing bilateral partnerships within the ASEAN community.
