President Prabowo Attends 48th ASEAN Summit Dinner in Batik-Inspired Barong
President Prabowo Subianto attends the 48th ASEAN Summit dinner at the Mactan Expo, Cebu, Philippines, Friday (05/08). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
President Prabowo Subianto Friday (05/08) attended the 48th ASEAN Summit dinner hosted by the Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. at the Mactan Expo in Cebu.
Upon arriving at the gala dinner venue, President Prabowo was welcomed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Marie Louise Cacho Araneta Marcos amid a warm reception for ASEAN leaders attending the event.
Following the welcoming session and group photo, the President proceeded to the waiting room, where he exchanged greetings and engaged in casual conversations with fellow ASEAN leaders ahead of the dinner.
On the occasion, President Prabowo wore a barong featuring embroidery inspired by Indonesian batik motifs, symbolizing the cultural harmony and close friendship between Indonesia and the Philippines. The attire also highlighted the artistic heritage and craftsmanship of both nations.
The Head of State later joined other ASEAN leaders in Halls 2 and 3, where the dinner took place. The event opened with remarks from President Marcos Jr., who expressed appreciation for the presence of ASEAN leaders and underscored the importance of maintaining regional unity and cooperation.
During the dinner, President Prabowo was seated alongside Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. A warm and cordial atmosphere characterized interactions among the ASEAN leaders throughout the evening.
The dinner was also enlivened by a series of Philippine cultural performances showcasing the host country’s rich artistic traditions and cultural heritage.
Beyond the formal program, the gala dinner served as an opportunity for ASEAN leaders to strengthen personal ties and foster informal communication on the sidelines of the official ASEAN Summit agenda. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RIF/LW)
