RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian President, Prabowo Subianto, received Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Richard Marles in Jakarta, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The country's Cabinet Secretary, Teddy Indra Wijaya, explained in a statement that the meeting marked a moment of reconciliation between the two longtime friends, who now hold strategic positions in their respective governments.

"President Prabowo Subianto received his old friend, Deputy Prime Minister and Australian Minister of Defense Richard Marles, at his home, Kertanegara on Wednesday, March 11, 2026," Teddy said as quoted from the Indonesian Presidential Secretariat on Thursday, March 12, 2026, referring to a street where Prabowo's Jakarta residence is located.

According to him, the meeting was warm and friendly. He said two leaders took the opportunity to chat casually and exchange views on several important issues of mutual concern.

"The meeting was warm and cordial, confirming the close personal relationship between the two leaders," Teddy said.

During the conversation, President Prabowo and Richard Marles also discussed various strategic issues and regional dynamics relevant to both countries. Cabinet Secretary Teddy stated that the relaxed dialogue reflected the close relationship between Indonesia and Australia.

"They chatted casually and exchanged views on important issues, and this meeting was a symbol of closeness and close cooperation between Indonesia and Australia," Teddy conveyed..

The Presidential Secretariat said the meeting also demonstrated that the strong personal relationship between Prabowo and Marles is an "important foundation" in strengthening the Indonesia-Australia strategic partnership. It is particularly important in maintaining regional stability and expanding cooperation in various fields in the future.

Marles' 2026 visit is also aimed at attending a "Defense Ministers' Meeting" with the Indonesian Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. The meeting follows Albanese's visit to Jakarta last month to sign the Australia-Indonesia Mutual Security Treaty.

"Indonesia is one of Australia's most important and closest partners. Our relationship is built on the principles of friendship, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peace and security in the region," the Australian Embassy in Jakarta said in a statement published on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

This meeting will also provide an opportunity for the two ministers to follow up on the historic Defence Cooperation Agreement, signed by Australia and Indonesia in August 2024. The Embassy of Australia in Jakarta said Australia and Indonesia will continue to improve practical arrangements, strengthen interoperability, and support increased dialogue between the two countries' defence forces through the agreement.

“The Defence Cooperation Agreement represents a historic step in our defense cooperation, which has been further strengthened by the recent signing of the Collective Security Treaty," Marles said in the embassy statement.

“Australia is committed to working more closely than ever with Indonesia to support a more secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific region," he stated.

Previously, in June 2025, Marles met Prabowo during his visit to Indonesia, also at Prabowo’s residence. Marles' visit follows the recent visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Indonesia earlier on May.