Manila, September 21, 2024 — The Europe Today: Defense Minister and President-elect of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, paid a courtesy visit to Filipino President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the Malacañang Palace in Manila on Friday. The meeting focused on reinforcing the strategic partnership between Indonesia and the Philippines, with an emphasis on regional defense cooperation.
Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha, chief of the public relations bureau of Indonesia’s Defense Ministry, stated that the visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance security collaboration in Southeast Asia.
During the meeting, Prabowo lauded President Marcos for his leadership in elevating the Philippines’ influence within the region. “Your strategic outlook has enhanced the Philippines’ global standing, showcasing significant progress in the political, economic, and military sectors,” Prabowo remarked.
The Indonesian leader also praised the Philippines’ successful hosting of the 13th Joint Defense and Security Cooperation Committee (JDSCC) in July 2024 and reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to hosting the next JDSCC in 2025.
President Marcos reciprocated Prabowo’s sentiments, affirming the strong and longstanding friendship between Indonesia and the Philippines. “Our ties of friendship will only grow stronger in the future,” he stated.
The high-level discussions were attended by key Filipino officials, including Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, Executive Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Defense Secretary Lucas Bersamin. Prabowo was accompanied by Sugiono, Deputy Chief of Indonesia’s Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR).
Prabowo’s visit to the Philippines is part of a broader diplomatic tour across Southeast Asia, during which he has met with national leaders to reinforce Indonesia’s commitment to regional partnerships. His tour, which began in early September, has already included visits to Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand, where he also held informal talks with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
