“On this occasion, allow me to extend my Australia Day greetings, which falls on January 26, 2026,” Prabowo said in a joint statement with PM Albanese.
On the occasion, Prabowo emphasized Australia’s position as one of Indonesia’s closest neighbors and a strategic partner, highlighting the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
The Head of State also recalled the history of bilateral relations, including Australia’s support for Indonesia’s independence struggle since the early days of the 1945 Proclamation.
“We always remember that Australia supported our struggle for independence from the very beginning of our proclamation in 1945,” he said.
President Prabowo added that PM Albanese’s visit to Indonesia was an opportunity to reciprocate the warm reception he received during his visit to Sydney in November last year.
“I am very pleased to welcome my friend, Prime Minister Albanese, back in Jakarta. This visit is also an opportunity for me to reciprocate the warm welcome I received during my visit to Sydney in November 2025,” Prabowo said.
Prabowo received Albanese at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
The President expressed his appreciation for the visit amid Albanese’s tight schedule and apologized for being unable to greet him at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base on Thursday (February 5).
“Thank you, Prime Minister, for coming today. It is a pleasure to meet you,” he said.
Meanwhile, PM Albanese said that Indonesia and Australia maintain increasingly close relations as neighboring countries and friends. He noted that the frequency of such visits reflects the closeness of the two countries.
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Translator: Fathur, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
