Defense Minister Prabowo Warmly Welcomes Australian Defense Minister In Hambalang, Strengthens Defense Partnership

Prabiowo's meeting with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), The Hon. Richard Marles MP (Istamewa)

Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto received a visit from The Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) of Australia who also serves as Minister of Defense of Australia at the residence of Padepokan Garuda Yaksa, Hambalang, Bogor, Friday, November 17. The arrival of Defense Minister Richard was warmly welcomed by Defense Minister Prabowo who was wearing a brown batik shirt.

The meeting of the two began with breakfast together while being served typical Hambalang coffee. At the meeting, the two officials discussed bilateral relations between the two countries in the defense sector.

"Australia has contributed positively by strengthening cooperation, interoperability, and coordination among the military medical services of ADMM-Plus countries during Australia's joint chairmanship with Brunei Darussalam in the EWG ADMM-Plus on Military Medicine for the 2021-2024 period," said Defense Minister Prabowo.

It is known, currently the cooperation between Indonesia and Australia has a defense cooperation that regulates a number of collaborations. Among them, such as the field of defense, education and training, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster management, peace maintenance and other fields that are of common interest.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Richard expressed his commitment to the strategic partnership of relations with Indonesia. "The government of Prime Minister Albanese is very committed to our close partnership with Indonesia. I am meeting again with my colleague, Minister Prabowo Subianto to deepen defense cooperation through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," he said.

Our relationship across this region is very important for the security and prosperity of Australia and the Government of Prime Minister Albanese will continue to prioritize our regional cooperation," he continued.

Defense Minister Prabowo also expressed Indonesia's readiness to continue its valuable legacy with Australia and Brunei ahead of the submission of ADMM-Plus EWG on Military Medicine to Indonesia and the United States as a new co-chair for the period 2024-2027.

For the success of Australia and Brunei, Indonesia also asked for Australian support because Indonesia and the United States will become joint leaders in the ADMM-Plus EWG on Military Medicine for the next cycle.

Defense Minister Prabowo also expressed his respect for hosting the arrival of Defense Minister Richard. "It is an honor to host the honorary visit of Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Marles in Hambalang Bogor today. Strategic discussions include the importance of strengthening the ongoing defense partnership between the two neighboring countries," said Defense Minister Prabowo.

Also attending to accompany Minister of Defense Prabowo a number of Ministry of Defense officials including the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense Marsdya TNI Donny Erwawan Taufanto, Director General of Defense at the Ministry of Defense Major General Bambang Trisnohadi, Director General Pothan Major General TNI M. Fajar and Kasatwas Defense University RI Major General TNI Rui Duarte, and Athan RI in Canberra, Admiral TNI Anak Agung Oka Wirayudha. (Head of Public Relations of the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Defense)