Jakarta, May 7, 2025 – The Europe Today: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received renowned philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday morning for high-level discussions focused on sustainable development.
President Prabowo greeted Gates with a cordial handshake in the palace courtyard before accompanying him into the credential room. The two engaged in a brief conversation and participated in a photo session, after which the president invited Gates to his official office for further dialogue.
Several senior Indonesian ministers were also present at the meeting, underscoring the importance of the visit.
Yusuf Permana, Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat, stated earlier that the agenda would cover key global issues including health, nutrition, financial inclusion, and public digital infrastructure.
“Specifically, the two will exchange views on global health, nutrition, financial inclusiveness, and public digital infrastructure,” said Permana.
Gates, who currently ranks 13th on Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s wealthiest individuals, arrived in Jakarta following a visit to Singapore, where he reviewed several initiatives related to sustainable development.
President Prabowo had previously announced Gates’ scheduled visit during a cabinet plenary session on May 5, noting that the philanthropist had requested the meeting via a letter sent in November last year.
“On May 7, Bill Gates will come here following a letter he sent last November requesting a meeting with me. He expressed interest in supporting and presenting an award for our Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program,” the president stated during the session.
While expressing gratitude for Gates’ interest, President Prabowo affirmed his government’s commitment to the MBG initiative regardless of external support.
“He said he would assist us, though I’m not sure in what form,” Prabowo said. “Regardless, we are committed to continuing this program without relying on aid or awards, because it is an investment in our future generations.”
Gates’ visit is seen as a positive step in strengthening international cooperation on health and development, aligning with Indonesia’s long-term strategic priorities.
