JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesian Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, has completed a state visit to India and Malaysia, aimed at deepening the country’s partnerships with both nations.

The visit, which took place from January 23 to January 27, 2025, marked significant progress in Indonesia’s diplomatic and economic relations with its Asian neighbors. Prabowo’s visit included high-level meetings, participation in cultural events, and recognition from Malaysian leadership.

In India, Prabowo met with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation across several key sectors including trade, investment, tourism, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure.

The Indonesian defense minister invited India to participate in Indonesia’s infrastructure development programs, opening the door for increased bilateral trade and technological exchange.

During his stay, Prabowo also attended India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest, where he witnessed a military parade featuring Indonesian Armed Forces and cultural performances. This event highlighted the growing defense and cultural ties between Indonesia and India, offering a platform for deeper collaboration in both defense and non-defense sectors.

After India, Prabowo continued his visit to Malaysia, where he was warmly welcomed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The visit underscored Indonesia’s strong historical and cultural ties with Malaysia, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation.

A key highlight was Prabowo receiving the prestigious Darjah Kerabat Johor award from the Sultan, acknowledging his efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries.

In his discussions with Prime Minister Anwar, both leaders agreed on expanding cooperation in sectors like economics, trade, labor, education, and defense. Prime Minister Anwar emphasized Malaysia’s interest in exploring opportunities with Indonesia, which would take precedence over deals with other countries. This reflects the growing mutual trust and understanding between the two countries, particularly in areas of regional security and economic partnership.

Prabowo’s visit to Malaysia also included talks on regional stability, with both leaders discussing strategies to enhance economic resilience, foster greater people-to-people connections, and share technological advancements. The defense aspect of the visit was also significant, as both Indonesia and Malaysia committed to improving their defense cooperation in light of regional security challenges.

The outcome of Prabowo’s visit to India and Malaysia is a clear sign of Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its position as a key player in Southeast Asia and beyond. With both India and Malaysia being vital partners for Indonesia’s economic and strategic goals, the visit has paved the way for further collaboration in various sectors, positioning Indonesia to play a more influential role on the global stage.

The state visit was a diplomatic success, reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to building strong and mutually beneficial relationships with its neighboring countries. As Indonesia continues to expand its international partnerships, the outcomes of this visit highlight the importance of fostering closer ties with regional powers like India and Malaysia to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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