Prabowo Receives Visit from Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Key Issues Discussed

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

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained that the meeting served as a moment of fellowship between two old friends who now hold strategic 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,” said Cabinet Secretary Teddy in his statement on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy emphasised that the meeting took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere. The two leaders utilised the opportunity to have an informal conversation whilst exchanging views on several important issues of mutual concern.

“The meeting was warm and characterised by genuine affection, affirming the strong personal relationship between the two leaders,” he stated.

During their conversation, President Prabowo and Richard Marles also discussed various strategic issues and regional dynamics relevant to both nations. Cabinet Secretary Teddy noted that the informal dialogue reflected the closeness of Indonesia-Australia relations, which have remained strong over time.

“They had an informal conversation whilst exchanging views on important issues, and this meeting became a symbol of the closeness and strong cooperation between Indonesia and Australia,” said Teddy.

The Kertanegara meeting also demonstrated that the strong personal relationship between President Prabowo and Richard Marles constitutes an important foundation in strengthening the Indonesia-Australia strategic partnership, particularly in maintaining regional stability and expanding cooperation across various sectors in the future.