President Prabowo Visits HMAS Canberra

President Prabowo Subianto visits the HMAS Canberra at Garden Island Naval Base, Australia, Wednesday (11/12). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

In a bid to strengthen defense relations and strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, President Prabowo Subianto Wednesday (11/12) visited the HMAS Canberra at Garden Island Naval Base, Australia.

Upon arrival, President Prabowo was welcomed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Australian Deputy Prime Minister/Defense Minister Richard Marles, and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. As the Indonesian head of state boarded the HMAS Canberra, he was greeted with a guard of honor and the Indonesian national anthem Indonesia Raya.

During the visit, President Prabowo rode in the first vehicle alongside PM Albanese. In the second vehicle were Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, and Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.

The two leaders began their tour on the ship’s first deck, which displayed a range of tactical vehicles and amphibious assets, before proceeding to the second deck featuring a Seahawk helicopter hangar. President Prabowo also received a detailed briefing on the ship and helicopter capabilities, including their roles in amphibious operations, logistics, patrols, rescue missions, and humanitarian efforts.

In a joint press statement, President Prabowo expressed gratitude for Australia’s warm hospitality, while throwing jokes to cheer the atmosphere up.

“I think your intelligence is very good. You know I like bagpipe, so I am welcomed by bagpipe. Thank you very much,” the President said.

On the occasion, PM Albanese also expressed appreciation to the Royal Australian Navy for their support and cooperation in ensuring the success of the visit. “I would like to thank the Chief of Navy and the Captain of HMAS Canberra, and all of the naval personnel who have welcomed us here and helped to organize this visit today,” PM Albanese said.

President Prabowo’s visit to HMAS Canberra underscores the close partnership between Indonesia and Australia as two maritime nations are united by mutual respect and a shared commitment to maintaining stability and peace across the Indo-Pacific region. The strengthening of maritime security cooperation remains increasingly relevant, given the two countries’ direct maritime boundaries. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (GWH/MUR)