President Prabowo Invites Australia to Enhance Indonesia’s Education System

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has called on Australia to play a greater role in supporting Indonesia’s education sector, particularly through programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of teachers and lecturers.

Speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Friday, February 6, 2026, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of collaboration in education and skilled labor.

“Prime Minister Albanese and I also discussed cooperation in education and skilled workforce development. I invited Australia to support our efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s education system through training and capacity-building programs for teachers and lecturers,” the President said, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that these educators would later be placed in universities and newly established schools across Indonesia. He also expressed appreciation for Australia’s support through the Australia Awards Garuda Scholarship, which he described as aligned with Indonesia’s broader efforts to strengthen human resources in education.

Beyond education, the two leaders also addressed the issue of skilled labor. Prabowo noted that Indonesia has a competent workforce that could help meet Australia’s demand for skilled professionals. 

To facilitate this, he proposed expanding Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for professional certification, enabling Indonesian professionals to contribute more widely to Australia’s economy.

“I propose the expansion of Mutual Recognition Agreements for professional certification so that Indonesian professionals can contribute more significantly to Australia’s economy,” he said.

The meeting marked PM Albanese’s visit to Jakarta as part of efforts to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two close neighbors. President Prabowo thanked PM Albanese for making time in his busy schedule and apologized for not being able to welcome him at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base the previous day.

“Thank you, Prime Minister, for coming here today. I am pleased to meet you,” President Prabowo remarked.

PM Albanese, in turn, highlighted the growing closeness of Indonesia-Australia relations, describing the two nations as both neighbors and friends. He noted that this was not his first visit to Indonesia, and the frequency of such engagements reflected the strength of the bilateral relationship. ***