Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the importance of Indonesia and Thailand intensifying bilateral engagement to further elevate their strategic partnership while hosting Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Jakarta on Monday.
At the Merdeka Palace, he argued that Indonesia and Thailand “must meet and coordinate more often,” noting that the two countries had long enjoyed close ties with no major bilateral issues, to the point that they had come to regard the relationship as routine.
Welcoming Charnvirakul, Prabowo highlighted that the visit carried added significance as the first of its kind in more than a decade.
“Prime minister, your visit today is historic and very important. This is the first official visit of a Thai prime minister to Indonesia in 15 years,” he said.
The president stressed that Indonesia and Thailand should continue orienting their partnership toward delivering concrete mutual benefits.
He also expressed confidence that the two countries “can contribute to fostering a stronger and more stable ASEAN” by pursuing even closer bilateral cooperation.
To that end, Prabowo proposed strengthening defense and security ties through more frequent joint military exercises and expanded personnel exchange programs for education and capacity-building.
He also called for deepening economic cooperation through intensified trade and investment, alongside joint initiatives in food security, digital technology, and energy, while enhancing people-to-people ties.
Prabowo used the Jakarta engagement to express condolences to Thailand for the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha in June and extend birthday wishes to her father, King Vajiralongkorn.
He underscored his lasting personal relationship with the king, highlighting their shared background as former military officers.
“Both of us served in the military in our youth. Hence, we have beautiful memories, and our meeting felt like a reunion of old servicemen reminiscing about their younger years,” he remarked.
Related news: Indonesia-Thailand ties must deliver direct public benefits: Prabowo
Related news: Prabowo supports expanded joint military exercises with Thailand
Related news: Prabowo, Thai PM hold one-on-one talks on bilateral cooperation
Translator: Aditya Ramadhan, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2026