President Prabowo Receives Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at Merdeka Palace
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday hosted Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, marking the opening of her visit focused on advancing global financial inclusion in her capacity as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance.
The Dutch monarch is visiting Indonesia to promote broader access to financial services under her United Nations mandate.
Queen Maxima’s motorcade arrived at Merdeka Palace around noon, escorted by five motorcycle outriders. President Prabowo, dressed in a gray suit and traditional cap, personally greeted the queen, who stepped out in a red outfit at the palace’s west veranda. The leaders exchanged warm handshakes before walking through the palace corridor, where dancers performed in her honor.
Following the reception, President Prabowo introduced members of the Indonesian delegation to Queen Maxima. Attending the meeting were Foreign Minister Sugiono, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ribka Haluk, OJK Executive Supervisor Friderica Widyasari Dewi, Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Destry Damayanti, and senior journalist Najwa Shihab.
President Prabowo later escorted Queen Maxima to the Credentials Room for an official photo session. The leaders were scheduled to hold a private tête-à-tête meeting, followed by a luncheon hosted by the president.
Queen Maxima’s visit, which runs from November 24 to 27, also included earlier engagements such as a visit to a garment factory in Sragen, Central Java, and the Batik Laweyan Village in Solo, where she discussed initiatives aimed at improving financial health for workers and small enterprises.
