President Prabowo Subianto Meets Former President, Highlights Warm Relations and Policy Continuity

President Prabowo Subianto pays a visit to the residence of the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, in Sumber, Surakarta city, Central Java province, Sunday (07/20) (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Sunday (07/20) visited the residence of former President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in Sumber, Surakarta city, Central Java province.

The meeting of the two national figures was very warm and in a familial atmosphere, showing the good relations between past and present leadership.

Upon arrival at Adi Soemarmo Air Force Base in Boyolali regency at around 5.30 PM local time, President Prabowo Subianto headed straight to Jokowi’s residence in Surakarta and was welcomed by Jokowi and Iriana Jokowi, who were waiting at the front gate.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming was also present at the meeting.

Following the meeting, which lasted about an hour, the President gave a press statement to the press, saying the meeting was held in a relaxed atmosphere and discussed various issues, particularly the results of his recent overseas visits.

“I just returned from working visits abroad. Apparently, he (Jokowi) was also following the news. I shared about the breakthroughs we had, especially with the European Union—after 10 years of negotiation, it finally completed,” the President said, adding that he also informed the former President about the results of his meetings with several world leaders.

The Head of State also said he and the former President talked about cooperation opportunities with several countries as well as the importance of boosting national cocoa production.

“I visited Belarus. They have potash, they need our rubber and our other commodities. Turns out the price of cocoa in the world is currently very high, and there is a lot of demand from our cocoa. We also need to immediately start new seedling and rejuvenation programs,” the President said.

This meeting reflects the continuity of Indonesia’s foreign policy direction, while also showing the good relationship that continues to be maintained between President Prabowo Subianto and his predecessor in building a stronger future for Indonesia amid global dynamics. (BPMI) (EST/EP)