President Prabowo Subianto received a visit from Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles on March 11, 2026, in Jakarta. The meeting was a warm reunion between old friends now in strategic leadership roles. The next day, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met Marles to discuss defense issues.
President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia received Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Kertanegara in Jakarta. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya described the meeting as a friendly reunion between old friends now holding strategic government positions in their respective countries.
"President Prabowo Subianto received his old friend, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Australia, Richard Marles, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Kertanegara," said Seskab Teddy in his statement on March 12, 2026.
The atmosphere was warm and intimate. The two leaders exchanged views on important issues and regional dynamics relevant to both Indonesia and Australia. "The meeting took place in a warm and friendly manner, affirming the close personal relationship between the two leaders," Teddy revealed. The casual dialogue reflected the strong bilateral ties, serving as a symbol of cooperation in various fields.
On Thursday, March 12, 2026, Richard Marles arrived at the Ministry of Defense building in Central Jakarta at 09:04 WIB. He was welcomed by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the main entrance. Sjafrie wore a cream suit and white shirt, while Marles donned a dark suit and white shirt. They shook hands before proceeding to a welcoming ceremony inside the building.
The meeting was ongoing as of the latest reports and is expected to cover defense issues and military cooperation. Neither Sjafrie nor Marles made statements to the media. The visit strengthens the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Australia, particularly in maintaining regional stability.
