Jakarta, May 8, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday called for stronger regional cooperation to address growing global challenges during the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Special Summit held in Cebu.
According to Indonesia’s Presidential Secretariat, President Prabowo stressed the importance of building more adaptive and effective regional cooperation, particularly in the areas of energy and food security, amid evolving global economic and geopolitical conditions.
Addressing the summit, the Indonesian leader expressed appreciation to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his hospitality and leadership in hosting the gathering.
“This special summit comes at a very critical time. The challenges we are facing have prompted tighter and more effective collaboration among us,” Prabowo said.
He emphasized that BIMP-EAGA must continue to evolve in order to better respond to the needs of communities across the sub-region.
“BIMP-EAGA must become more adaptive, impactful, and responsive to our people’s needs,” he stated.
President Prabowo also highlighted the importance of implementing the BIMP-EAGA 2035 Vision, describing it as a key framework for future regional development and cooperation.
“Our priority is clear: protecting the safety and livelihoods of our peoples. The BIMP-EAGA 2035 Vision has given us clear direction. Our task now is to turn it into reality,” he added.
The Indonesian president further underscored the importance of solidarity and closer regional coordination in navigating increasingly complex global dynamics and emerging challenges.
The BIMP-EAGA Special Summit marked the beginning of President Prabowo’s official agenda in the Philippines ahead of the upcoming 48th ASEAN Summit.
