Prabowo, UK PM Starmer Agree on New Indonesia–UK Strategic Partnership

London: President Prabowo Subianto and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday agreed to establish a new strategic partnership between Indonesia and the United Kingdom, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties.

Speaking at Lancaster House in London on January 20, 2026, Prabowo said the UK is a key partner for Indonesia, particularly due to its strengths in technology and finance.

“We see the United Kingdom as an important partner that can play a significant role in our economy. The UK has strong technological capabilities and financial strength, and there is clear interest in investing in Indonesia,” Prabowo said quoted from Presidenri .go.id, Wednesday, 21 January 2026.

He added that the partnership would open opportunities for Indonesia to benefit from technology transfer and access to British financial expertise.

“I believe this partnership will be highly beneficial for both countries,” the president said.

In the maritime sector, Prabowo said the UK would support Indonesia’s plan to build around 1,500 fishing vessels and improve fishing villages, as part of efforts to boost fishermen’s welfare and increase national protein consumption.

“This is a strategic initiative that will accelerate our economic growth, particularly in the maritime sector. About three-quarters of Indonesia is ocean, while our protein consumption remains relatively low. We aim to improve that,” he said.

The new strategic partnership builds on the Joint Statement on a New Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Indonesia and the United Kingdom agreed by both leaders in 2024, reflecting their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.

The partnership is anchored on four main pillars: strengthening economic growth; cooperation on climate, energy, and the environment; enhanced defense and security collaboration; and the development of human capital and society.

Through these pillars, Indonesia and the UK aim to build an inclusive, sustainable, and strategic partnership while reinforcing their roles as key partners at the regional and global levels.