Jakarta, IO – President Prabowo Subianto hosted a luncheon in honor of the state visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, at the State Palace on Monday. The reception was marked by a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the enduring friendship and deep diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Germany.
In his remarks, Prabowo expressed his profound appreciation for the decades-long bilateral relationship, emphasizing that Germany holds a highly strategic position for Indonesia and that their enduring partnership has yielded tangible benefits for the people of both nations.
Prabowo commended the warm, open, and highly productive discussions held during the visit, noting that Germany holds a truly special place in the hearts of Indonesians. He highlighted that for 74 years, formal diplomatic relations have delivered concrete advantages to their respective citizens, solidifying Germany’s status as one of Indonesia’s most vital partners across Europe.
Beyond mere diplomacy, the head of state stated that Germany has long served as a profound source of inspiration for Indonesia’s national development, particularly in the realms of technological innovation, discipline, industrial mastery, and a robust respect for rules and public institutions.
This foundational influence is mirrored in the vast number of Indonesian citizens who have historically studied and trained in Germany, famously including Indonesia’s third president, B.J. Habibie, who possessed extensive academic and professional experience there.
Driven by this shared history, Prabowo expressed his strong desire to see the bilateral partnership continually strengthened across various strategic sectors. To illustrate the depth of this connection, the president shared a light personal anecdote from his own past, recalling his time undergoing specialized training in Germany back in 1981.
“I can personally testify to this strength because I myself underwent training in Germany in 1981. I hope your visit can further strengthen our cooperation, especially amidst the current global dynamics and uncertainties,” he said.
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Furthermore, Prabowo emphasized Germany’s historic role in introducing Indonesia to the broader international community, pointing out that academic circles in Germany had engaged with Indonesian culture and identity long before the archipelago achieved formal statehood.
He observed that while the two nations will soon celebrate the milestone of 75 years of formal diplomatic relations, the cultural and intellectual roots of their relationship actually trace back much further than Indonesia’s 1945 independence.
Concluding his address, he extended his deepest gratitude to the visiting dignitaries, stating, “As a final note, I wish President Steinmeier and Mrs Budenbender good health and success, and that the peoples of Indonesia and Germany continue to prosper and be friends.” (des)
