President of Indonesia and President of Turkey meet in Bogor to strengthen trade and defense ties
BOGOR: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met Wednesday and signed a number of agreements to strengthen defense and commercial relations between the Muslim-majority countries, including a collaborative drone manufacturing company.
Following a four-day trip to important Islamic allies that included stops in Malaysia and Pakistan, the Turkish leader was in the biggest economy in Southeast Asia.
At a presidential residence in Bogor, a city south of the capital Jakarta, he was welcomed by kids waving flags, a traditional marching band, and national songs.
Following discussions with Erdogan, Prabowo said, “We are committed to increasing trade between the two countries, which is mutually beneficial.”
“We also agree to increase joint production and cooperation in the defense industry.”
According to Prabowo, it would include stronger cooperation on intelligence and counterterrorism as well as cooperative training for troops.
As the duo watched, ministers and officials signed a dozen agreements on commerce, energy, higher education, and religious issues, including one to manufacture drones in Indonesia.
Following his arrival, Prabowo referred to Erdogan as “my close friend, my brother” and said that both parties were attempting to expedite the signing of a free trade deal.
Prior to the signing of the accords, the presidents convened their countries’ first high-level strategic cooperation council meeting.
According to Erdogan, the two discussed future agreements aimed at increasing bilateral commerce to $10 billion annually as well as international concerns, including Syria and the Palestinian question.
According to Indonesia’s commerce ministry, trade between Indonesia and Turkey was valued at $2.4 billion in 2024. Prior to then-defense minister Prabowo’s formal inauguration as Indonesia’s president, the leaders last convened for discussions in July in the Turkish city of Ankara.
Under Joko Widodo, Prabowo’s predecessor, who made a state visit to Turkey in 2017, ties between the two nations improved. In an effort to modernize its aging military, Indonesia spent over $300 million on 12 Turkish drones in 2023.
Both are ardent proponents of Palestinian rights and outspoken opponents of Israel who belong to the 57-member Islamic Cooperation organization.
