After the welcoming ceremony, the two leaders held cordial talks, with Mostyn describing Prabowo’s official visit as a reflection of the strong and stable bilateral relationship built over decades.
Mostyn noted her familiarity with Prabowo’s earlier visits to Australia before assuming the presidency and expressed delight at receiving him for the first time as Indonesia’s head of state.
"This is my first time coming here as president," Prabowo replied, acknowledging her remark.
Their conversation turned personal as Prabowo shared that he has long-standing friendships with Australian officials and members of the Australian Defense Force.
Related news: Prabowo visits Australia to meet PM Albanese
"I have many friends from the Australian Defense Force; most of them have retired now—perhaps everyone I know has retired," he said.
Mostyn, in response, revealed she came from a military family, noting that her father had served in the armed forces for decades—longer than former Governor-General David Hurley—and that her family frequently relocated during his service.
The discussion later shifted to enhancing people-to-people exchanges and expanding cooperation in defense, education, and investment.
Mostyn highlighted that defense and education have been the foundation of the Indonesia-Australia partnership, pointing to Australian universities such as Monash, Deakin, and Western Sydney, which have established campuses in Indonesia.
President Prabowo was accompanied at Admiralty House by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono, and Investment and Downstreaming Minister Rosan Roeslani, among others.
Related news: Indonesia, Australia destined to help each other: Prabowo
Translator: Genta/Mentari, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025