Visited By PM Marape, Prabowo Offers Papua New Guinea Officers Again To Study In Indonesia

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (left three) shook hands with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape (four left) at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense Office, Jakarta, Monday (15/7/2024). (Between)

JAKARTA - Defense Minister (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister (PM) James Marape met at the Office of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Jakarta, Monday 15 July. The two discussed the continuation of cooperation in various fields.

The second meeting took place shortly from PM Marape meeting President Joko Widodo at the Bogor Palace, West Java, Monday, July 15 morning.

"He really wants to maintain close relations with Indonesia, and so do I. I want to continue the policies of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo and they are very happy, Pak Joko Widodo's relationship with our neighbors is very good," said Defense Minister Prabowo when met after the meeting, confiscated by Antara.

Prabowo said that since 2023 he has offered to Papua New Guinea for educational cooperation, especially for officers and cadets.

"I have offered since last year for educational institutions in the TNI to be open to youths/drivers from PNG (Papua New Guinea), their young officers, we invite their cadets," said Defense Minister Prabowo.

He also offered the opportunity to learn for young people in Papua New Guinea to become Indonesian Defense University (IDU) students.

"We open up opportunities for them. They really appreciate it. The country just a few weeks ago there was a big disaster there. Assistance from Indonesia is very appreciated by them," said Prabowo.

Defense Minister Prabowo, who is also the elected presidential candidate in the 2024 election, is determined to maintain good relations with Papua New Guinea because the two countries have the same philosophy.

"They also have the same philosophy as us. They want to respect all countries, all strengths. We have almost the same view, respect all countries. Don't want to join any blocks," said the Indonesian Defense Minister.

In the main building of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense Office, Defense Minister Prabowo and PM Marape discussed for approximately an hour. Prabowo also welcomed the arrival of PM Marape, then took him to the front of his vehicle.

In the lobbying courtyard and exit of the Kemhan main building, the arrival and return of PM Marape was greeted by a line of cadets from the Defense University and music accompaniment from the Indonesian Defense University music group.

Prabowo, throughout his meeting with the PM of Papua New Guinea, was accompanied by a number of Indonesian Ministry of Defense officials, namely the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia M. Herindra and the Head of the Defense Facilities Agency of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense Marshal Madya TNI Yusuf Jauhari, as well as the Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) Andy Rachmianto.