President Prabowo Subianto Hosts PM Ishiba at Bogor Palace

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto Saturday (01/11) welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java in his official visit.

The arrival of Prime Minister Ishiba, who landed at around 9:50 AM local time, marked a significant moment in strengthening bilateral relationships between Indonesia and Japan.

Upon his arrival at the Bogor Presidential Palace, PM Ishiba was greeted with an honor guard, mounted cavalry, the Lokananta marching band, and a group of students.

President Prabowo Subianto personally welcomed PM Ishiba on the right veranda of the Bogor Presidential Palace shortly after the Prime Minister stepped out of his vehicle. The state ceremony began with the national anthems of both countries. Japan’s national anthem Kimigayo was first performed, followed by Indonesia’s national anthem Indonesia Raya.

The ceremony was accompanied by a 19-gun salute, symbolizing Indonesia’s highest honor for a state guest.
Following the ceremonial welcome, President Prabowo Subianto and PM Ishiba inspected the honor guard stationed in the front yard of the Bogor Presidential Palace. The two leaders walked on a red carpet, reflecting the warmth and respect of the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The Indonesian President then introduced the Indonesian delegation to PM Ishiba, who reciprocated by introducing the Japanese delegation. After the introductions, both leaders proceeded to the Teratai Room inside the palace for a group photo session and the signing of the state guestbook.

The agenda continued with a tête-à-tête meeting in President Prabowo Subianto’s office. This warm and strategic discussion provided an opportunity for the two leaders to address key issues and deepen bilateral cooperation.

Following the tête-à-tête, the two leaders joined their respective delegations for a bilateral meeting.

In his opening remarks, President Prabowo Subianto welcomed PM Ishiba and the Japanese delegation, emphasizing that this visit symbolizes both nations’ commitment to strengthening and enhancing bilateral relations across various fields.

“I’d like to extend my warmest welcome to you in Indonesia and I want to express that this is a great honor for us as we regard Japan a long-standing partner and a friend,” the President said.

PM Ishiba expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he and the Japanese delegation received from the Indonesian government and people, noting that this was the first time he had experienced such extraordinary hospitality during an official visit.

“Once again, thank you for the incredible and warm welcome. I have been a member of the parliament and a minister in Japan for a long time, but this is the first time I have received such an extraordinary reception,” said PM Ishiba.

The official visit concluded with a luncheon held in the backyard of the palace.

PM Ishiba’s visit to Indonesia is seen as a pivotal step in strengthening long-standing relationships between the two countries, which has been established for over 65 years. (BPMI of Presidental Secretariat) (AS/EP)