Indonesian President Prabowo Notes Sparse Attendance at Bank Indonesia Event, Highlights Close Allies

Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed surprise at the limited number of foreign dignitaries present at the annual Bank Indonesia meeting, wryly observing that those who did attend represented true friendships.

The remarks came during the opening of the event held Friday evening at the Bank Indonesia headquarters in Jakarta. President Prabowo began by acknowledging Governor Perry Warjiyo and the bank’s leadership, extending greetings to prominent figures including DPR Speaker Puan Maharani and Chief Justice Sunarto.

“I extend my respect and appreciation to DPR Speaker, Ms. Puan Maharani, and to Chief Justice, Professor Sunarto,” he stated.

The President also recognized members of his cabinet and ambassadors from several nations. Notably, only six countries sent representatives: the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the People’s Republic of China, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, and Thailand.

“Thank you to Their Excellencies for being present here,” Prabowo said. He then added with a touch of humor, “It seems the others weren’t able to make it… which means those who are here are truly friends.”

The limited attendance comes at a time when Indonesia is actively seeking to strengthen its economic ties with a broader range of international partners. Indonesia’s economy, Southeast Asia’s largest, is projected to grow by around 5% in 2024 and 2025, according to the World Bank, making it a key player in regional trade and investment. The Bank Indonesia meeting focused on bolstering economic resilience and sustainable growth.

Prabowo expressed his gratitude for the invitation to the event and praised the theme, “Resilient and Independent: Synergy to Drive Higher and More Sustainable Economic Growth,” as being perfectly aligned with his administration’s priorities.

“It is a great honor to be invited to this annual Bank Indonesia meeting. I warmly welcome this year’s theme, which is precisely in line with the significant efforts we are currently undertaking,” he said.

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