Indonesia and Australia are Destined to be Good Neighbors: Presiden Prabowo

Sydney: President Prabowo Subianto expressed his appreciation to the Australian government for the warm hospitality during his first state visit to the country, underscoring the strong and growing partnership between Indonesia and Australia.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after touring the HMAS Canberra at the Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, President Prabowo described the visit as a milestone in strengthening bilateral ties.

“I would like to once again thank the Australian government, Prime Minister Albanese, and his administration for the warm welcome. This is my first state visit to Australia, although I have visited many times before, and I was honored to be received by the Governor-General this morning,” Prabowo said.

During the visit, both leaders reaffirmed a significant defense and security agreement, marking a new chapter in the two nations’ strategic partnership. Prabowo said the accord reflects a shared determination to ensure peace and stability in the region through closer cooperation.

“We have held very productive discussions and reached an important agreement — a major step forward in defense and security cooperation,” he stated. “It reaffirms our commitment as close partners and neighbors to strengthen our friendship and maintain the best possible relationship to safeguard our mutual security.”

Defense collaboration between Indonesia and Australia has deepened considerably over the decades, forming one of the key pillars of their bilateral relations. The first memorandum of understanding on defense was signed in 1995, followed by the 2006 Lombok Treaty and the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) in 2024.

President Prabowo emphasized the importance of maintaining a “good neighbor policy” as the foundation of Indonesia–Australia relations. He highlighted the shared responsibility of both nations to support one another, especially in times of regional or global challenges.

“It is our destiny to be neighbors, so let us embrace that destiny with the best intentions,” he said. “Good neighbors are essential — they help one another in difficult times. In Indonesian culture, there is a saying that when we face an emergency, it is our neighbors who will come to our aid. Family may live far away, but good neighbors are always close and ready to help.”

Concluding his remarks, President Prabowo once again expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Albanese and the Australian government for their friendship and warm reception.

“Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, thank you very much for receiving me with such kindness,” Prabowo said, drawing applause from the audience.