Prabowo and PM Starmer Agree on Strategic Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, London - President Prabowo Subianto and British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer held a meeting in London on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. They discussed several crucial issues regarding the strengthening of cooperation of both countries.

The agreement covers various strategic sectors, ranging from technology and maritime affairs to the enhancement of education quality. British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, opened the meeting by warmly welcoming the Indonesian delegation’s second visit to Downing Street.

He recalled discussions from the first visit, during which both parties agreed to pursue a strategic partnership. During this tête-à-tête meeting, that goal was officially achieved.

Starmer conveyed, “When you were here the first time, we agreed that we would try to aim for a strategic partnership, and now we've achieved that. I think that is a real sign of how quickly we're progressing, the relationship between our countries, and how positive that is.”

Responding to the welcome, President Prabowo Subianto, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and reported on a series of productive meetings, including a session with the CEO of Babcock.

“I met the Babcock CEO; we are very pleased to go ahead with this maritime partnership,” Prabowo stated.

This maritime partnership is considered vital and strategic for Indonesia's maritime economic development. In a press statement following the meeting, President Prabowo told the media that the UK is a crucial partner for Indonesia, given its competitive advantages in technology and its strong financial sector capacity.

The President hopes this partnership will encourage active British participation in accelerating Indonesia's sustainable economic growth.

President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, addressed the media in London on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, following his tête-à-tête meeting. (Photo:YouTube/Sekretariat Presiden)

Furthermore, Prabowo explained, “They have the technology, they have very strong finances, they are interested in investing in Indonesia, and we feel that we can benefit from their technology and financial capabilities. So, I think this partnership will be very beneficial for both parties.”

In addition, President Prabowo highlighted concrete cooperation in the maritime sector. The President noted that the government plans to build 1,500 fishing boats. The UK has expressed its commitment to fully support this plan, including efforts to modernize infrastructure in fishing villages throughout Indonesia.

“In the maritime sector, they will support our plan to build 1,500 fishing boats because we want to make a large investment in this,” he said.

In addition, President Prabowo announced an agreement in the education sector. According to him, collaboration with renowned UK universities will continuously expand to cultivate a world-class generation.

He noted that several British universities have already established close partnerships with Indonesian institutions, such as the University of Indonesia and Gadjah Mada University, and have even succeeded in establishing physical campuses in strategic locations like Singosari and Bandung.