German President to Visit Indonesia on 15 June

Jakarta - German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will conduct a state visit to the Republic of Indonesia on 15 June, carrying a major agenda of strengthening bilateral cooperation, according to German Ambassador to Indonesia Ralf Beste. “We are committed to being a long-term partner for Indonesia, ready to tackle future challenges together,” the German envoy stated during a press conference at the German Embassy in Jakarta on Friday. “The main message of this visit is clear: Germany is a strong and reliable partner for Indonesia,” Beste added. The ambassador explained that the visit is driven by Germany’s desire to strengthen partnerships with strong developing nations, such as Indonesia. As the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is an important partner for Germany in the region, he noted. Beste further conveyed that President Steinmeier’s visit on 15 June will last for one day. Besides the main agenda of meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the German President will visit the Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral, passing through the Tunnel of Friendship that connects the two places of worship. The ambassador revealed that President Steinmeier will also hold a meeting and discussion with Indonesian intellectuals and researchers during his Monday visit. “In that meeting, they will discuss how Indonesia views the current geostrategic changes in the world,” the German ambassador said. He noted that Germany is the largest economy in Europe, with a reliable legal system and sustainable investments in sustainable development and clean energy. With these assets, the German President will be accompanied by a business delegation representing various German sectors, including logistics, mobility, and industrial equipment, as well as representatives from the cultural and science and technology sectors during his visit to Indonesia next week. The ambassador also expressed hope that President Prabowo would reciprocate President Steinmeier’s visit with a trip to Germany in the future.