The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, received a state visit from the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (3/8). This visit marks a historic moment as it is the first official visit by a Thai head of government to Indonesia in the last 15 years.
Arriving at the palace complex at around 16:50 WIB, PM Anutin was welcomed directly by President Prabowo with an official welcoming ceremony enlivened by traditional dances. The welcoming procession then continued with the playing of the national anthems of both countries and an inspection of the guard of honor by both government leaders.
During the bilateral meeting, President Prabowo was accompanied by several key cabinet ministers. Among them were Foreign Minister Sugiono, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman.
PM Anutin, who also serves as Thailand's Minister of Interior, was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The entourage landed at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta after departing from Military Air Terminal 2 Wing 6 in Thailand for a two-day working visit until August 4.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that this introductory visit is part of a diplomatic tradition among ASEAN members. In addition to holding a bilateral meeting at the Palace, PM Anutin is scheduled to preside over the opening of the Thailand-Indonesia Business Forum and deliver a keynote address on the future of the region at the ASEAN Secretariat.
