Prabowo Meets Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles to Discuss Regional Issues

President Prabowo Subianto received Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at his residence in Kertanegara, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

The topics discussed included regional issues and bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that Marles’s visit served as an opportunity for interaction between two figures who had long known each other before assuming important positions in their respective governments.

“President Prabowo Subianto received his long-time friend, who is also Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, at Kertanegara,” Teddy said in a statement on Thursday, 12 March.

According to him, the atmosphere of the meeting was relaxed and cordial. Both leaders used the opportunity to exchange views on various strategic issues of concern to both countries.

“The meeting was warm and cordial, affirming the close personal relationship between the two leaders,” Teddy said.

In the conversation, Prabowo and Marles also discussed evolving regional dynamics, including strategic issues relevant to Indonesia-Australia bilateral relations.

“They held a casual discussion and exchanged views on important matters, and this meeting symbolises the closeness and strong cooperation between Indonesia and Australia,” Teddy said.