Indonesia is Australia’s ‘most important relationship’. Is the feeling mutual?
Anthony Albanese was given the royal treatment on his visit to Jakarta this week, but Australia’s closest neighbour is also opening up its friendship circle.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conduct a ceremonial inspection of the troops at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Alex Ellinghausen
About an hour after arriving in Jakarta on Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese received a surprise visit from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at his hotel.
Meetings of world leaders are usually extremely stage-managed affairs. This was as close to a quick drop-in as diplomatic protocol allows, and included a long, unplanned one-on-one discussion. It was a sign of deep respect and set a positive tone for the rest of Albanese’s visit.
Ronald MizenPolitical correspondentRonald Mizen is the Financial Review’s political correspondent, reporting from the press gallery at Parliament House, Canberra. Connect with Ronald on Twitter. Email Ronald at ronald.mizen@afr.com
