The Presidential Secretariat confirmed in a statement that visiting the military post was not part of the official agenda items for the president in Miangas.
On his way to an official event the president ordered his car to stop after noticing two soldiers saluting him along the road.
He then disembarked and approached the personnel identified as Sergeant Second Class Alan Mandibo and Private First Class Armoko.
Both soldiers have been serving for the past 11 months on the island which shares a maritime border with the Philippines to the north.
“It was an honor for us to talk directly with Mr. President because this was the first time we met, greeted, and shook his hands in person,” said Alan, who hails from the 19th Combat Engineer Battalion, as quoted by the Presidential Secretariat.
He also spoke of having the opportunity to exchange conversations with the president and show him around the military post.
Several photos released by the secretariat showed the president inspecting the military base alongside Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
He also took time to review activity plans and reports of Miangas personnel who are part of the Outermost Island Security Task Force.
Alan said that the head of state paid close attention to the daily living conditions of the soldiers including their access to clean water.
“Mr. President asked about our source of clean water for cooking, bathing, and washing. We told him that we have a clean well here,” he explained.
The soldier added that the president also asked about his family and the family of his fellow soldier.
“He is a firm person with care for personnel,” Alan said while describing the surprise visit as a testament to the concern of the president for the well being of soldiers.
Prabowo became the second president to visit the northernmost inhabited island of Indonesia after Joko Widodo.
Related news: President ensures internet access reaches outermost Islands
Related news: Prabowo vows nationwide overhaul of public health centers
Translator: Genta T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
