President Prabowo Subianto Welcomes Malaysian PM Anwar in Grand Ceremony at Merdeka Palace

President Prabowo Subianto officially welcomes the arrival of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in a solemn yet lively ceremony at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (06/27). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Friday (06/27) officially welcomed Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a solemn yet lively ceremony at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

The two leaders arrived at the Presidential Palace, where they were greeted by 14 honor guards standing at the palace gate.

The motorcade carrying the two leaders was escorted by 17 motorized troops and 75 cavalry troops. The guards accompanied their vehicles along Jalan Merdeka Utara toward the Merdeka Palace.

More than two thousand students stood in neat rows along the road near the palace, welcoming the two leaders with cheers and enthusiasm. Many of them waved small Indonesian and Malaysian flags, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Indonesian President and his Malaysian counterpart then got out of their vehicles together on the west side of the Merdeka Palace.

The welcoming ceremony began with the playing of the Malaysian national anthem and Indonesia’s national anthem Indonesia Raya, followed by 19 cannon salutes as a sign of high respect.

Once the anthems ended, both leaders inspected the honor guard side by side, reflecting the close ties between the two nations, built on history and shared interests.

After introducing their respective delegates, President Prabowo Subianto invited PM Anwar heading to the credentials room to take a photo and sign the state guest book.

The two Heads of State then held a tête-à-tête in the President’s office.

The official visit marks a new chapter in Indonesia-Malaysia relations under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and PM Anwar with a focus on boosting bilateral cooperation in several strategic areas. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RIF/EP)