Albanese Visits Indonesia for Key Talks

The prime minister’s first post-poll visit focuses on trade, security and deepening Australia-Indonesia relations.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media in Canberra, Australia on May 9, 2025. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Indonesia today for his first overseas trip since re-election, holding talks with President Prabowo Subianto.

Albanese confirmed the visit following the swearing-in of his new cabinet on May 13.

“We have no more important relationship than Indonesia. We have an important economic relationship with them. They will grow to be the fourth-largest economy in the world,” Albanese said.

He highlighted not only the growing economic ties between the two nations but also the “important defence and security relationship” they share.

Deeper Cooperation

Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on May 12 that Albanese and Prabowo will hold bilateral talks focused on food security, energy, and trade. Broader regional and global matters are also expected to be on the agenda.

“This visit highlights the strong strategic partnership between Australia and Indonesia,” said Ministry spokesperson Rolliansyah Soemirat.

“The Annual Leaders’ Meeting represents an opportunity to elevate cooperation between the two countries under the new administrations.”

Before assuming the presidency, Prabowo had already worked to deepen ties with Canberra. In August 2024, as Indonesia’s defence minister, he visited Australia to finalise an upgraded treaty-level defence cooperation agreement.

Long-Standing Personal Rapport

The relationship between the two leaders has been notably warm.

Prabowo released a video message after Albanese’s election win, saying he was “so happy” to see him re-elected.

“My heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Anthony Albanese @albomp on his successful re-election as prime minister of Australia,” he said.

“Prime Minister Albanese’s leadership has been marked by a strong commitment to inclusive growth, sustainability, and international cooperation. His renewed mandate reflects the trust and confidence of the Australian people in his vision for the country’s future.

“I look forward to continuing and strengthening our partnership with Australia under Prime Minister Albanese’s leadership. We will work together to address shared challenges and pursue mutual goals in the region and beyond.”

Their recent engagement in November 2024 during the APEC Summit in Peru also set the stage for expanding bilateral cooperation in agriculture, education, and health.

“In Indonesia’s view, Australia is a good friend. We are keen to bolster cooperation in various fields and look forward to witnessing Australia intensifying its participation in Indonesia’s economy,” Prabowo said at the time.

Prabowo’s office said the bilateral meeting in Lima served as a key moment to strengthen diplomatic and strategic ties. He intended to continue enhancing partnerships across the board and praised the steady progress in their relationship.

“In general, I believe that we have been successful in maintaining our relations. I am determined to step up relations with all of our neighbouring countries,” he said.

Albanese, meanwhile, hoped both countries could reach new levels of cooperation, especially in sectors like health, education, and agriculture.