German President Arrives in Jakarta, Welcomed by Honour Guard
Jakarta (ANTARA) - German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived at the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, on Monday at approximately 09:00 WIB as part of a one-day state visit to Indonesia.
At the aircraft parking area of Halim Perdanakandum Perdanakusuma, President Steinmeier’s arrival was met with an honour guard ceremony from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), dressed in special black and red-white uniforms complete with full regalia and weaponry.
At the foot of the aircraft stairs, the Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, representing the Indonesian Government, personally welcomed President Steinmeier. Alongside Budi Gunadi were the German Ambassador to Indonesia, Ralf Beste, and the Indonesian Ambassador to Germany, Abdul Kadir Jailani.
Near the aircraft parking area, a cannon salute was fired as a mark of respect to President Steinmeier, marking his first visit to Indonesia during the administration of President Prabowo Subianto.
Steinmeier’s previous visit to Jakarta took place in 2022 during the administration of Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo.
Subsequently, Budi Gunadi accompanied President Steinmeier and the German First Lady, Elke Büdenbender, as they walked along a blue carpet, which concluded with a brief performance of traditional Betawi dance.
Following this, President Steinmeier and the German First Lady boarded a special vehicle adorned with the flags of both nations, escorted by a motorcade and a motorcycle escort from the Presidential Security Force (Paspampres).
The motorcade is set to traverse the streets from Halim Perdanakusuma, through Jalan MT Haryono, Jalan Gatot Subroto, Jalan Sudirman, Jalan M.H. Thamrin, and Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, before entering the National Monument (Monas) and Merdeka Palace area.
President Steinmeier’s visit to Jakarta this Monday is part of a series of foreign visits to several Asian countries, including Uzbekistan and the Philippines.
In Jakarta, in addition to bilateral meetings with President Prabowo Subianto, President Steinmeier is also scheduled to visit the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral. He is also expected to meet and hold discussions with Indonesian intellectual communities and researchers.
During his meeting with President Prabowo, President Steinmeier will discuss several strategic agendas, including Indonesia-Germany economic cooperation and expanding the scope of skilled labour exchange between the two nations.