Prabowo Calls Meeting with German President Crucial Amid Global Dynamics

President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed that the visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Indonesia represents a crucial moment for both nations. The meeting, held at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday (15/6/2026), took place amid conditions of global uncertainty. In a joint press statement, President Prabowo conveyed that President Steinmeier’s presence holds strategic significance, demonstrating the closeness of the long-standing bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Germany. “This visit is an important momentum amidst global dynamics that are increasingly full of uncertainty. Strengthening and sustaining the Indonesia-Germany partnership is certainly our top priority,” said President Prabowo. He further explained that the meeting is part of preparations for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which will fall in 2027. As a concrete step, the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation across various strategic sectors. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier concurred with Prabowo’s view on the importance of the partnership in a global situation marked by various regional conflicts. According to him, the relationship between Indonesia and Germany is founded on shared values. “In the current situation, the partnership between Germany and Indonesia is very meaningful. It is a partnership between two countries that are mutually committed to a firm rules-based order, and that is what binds us strongly,” Steinmeier stated. Steinmeier also referred back to the 2012 Jakarta Declaration, a historic milestone agreed upon by Indonesia’s 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The declaration encompasses broad cooperation in the fields of defence, economy, health, as well as research and technology. “I am confident that we must further deepen this partnership, particularly in the areas of climate, education, research, and culture to face future challenges,” he concluded. The meeting discussed various strategic agendas, especially strengthening cooperation in the economy, investment, energy transition, energy security, education, and employment. President Prabowo also requested President Steinmeier’s support to accelerate the finalisation of the IEU-CEPA in order to boost investment, and invited Germany to strengthen investment in the sectors of critical minerals, rare earths, and semiconductors to support the energy transition.