Saudi and Indonesia relations are strengthened as Adel Al-Jubeir conveys King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s well wishes at Prabowo Subianto’s swearing-in ceremony as Indonesia’s new president

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, participated in the inauguration ceremony of Indonesia’s new president, Prabowo Subianto, held in Jakarta on Sunday. In a significant moment for the country, Prabowo took the official oath of office before the Indonesian parliament, succeeding outgoing president Joko Widodo after a decade of leadership.

Al-Jubeir, representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, conveyed the personal congratulations of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the new Indonesian leader. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al-Jubeir also delivered a message from King Salman, extending heartfelt wishes for continued growth, prosperity, and strengthened bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

The ceremony in Jakarta marked a new chapter for Indonesia as Prabowo Subianto assumed office amid a spirit of national unity and international support. With leaders and dignitaries from around the world in attendance, the occasion underscored Indonesia’s growing influence in regional and global politics. Prabowo’s inauguration is expected to signal continuity in Indonesia’s commitment to economic development, regional cooperation, and diplomatic engagement with nations like Saudi Arabia.

Prabowo’s relationship with Saudi Arabia has been a focal point of discussion in recent years, particularly as both countries seek to deepen their collaboration in trade, investment, and tourism. The Kingdom views Indonesia as a strategic partner in Southeast Asia, with shared interests in energy, infrastructure development, and Islamic cultural ties.

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have long maintained strong diplomatic relations, driven by economic cooperation and shared values. As the world’s largest Muslim-majority nations, their close ties are significant not only for the bilateral relationship but also for the broader Muslim world. Prabowo’s presidency opens a fresh opportunity for Saudi Arabia to continue building on this partnership, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, education, and religious tourism.

The Saudi delegation, led by Al-Jubeir, also engaged in high-level discussions during their visit to Indonesia, exploring avenues for further collaboration. These talks are expected to lay the groundwork for new bilateral agreements and initiatives that will benefit both nations.

Indonesia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia and its status as a key player in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) make it a valuable partner for Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom pursues its Vision 2030 goals. These goals, which include economic diversification away from oil dependency, align with Indonesia’s own aspirations for sustainable development and regional leadership.

As Prabowo steps into his new role, his administration is poised to tackle a range of domestic and international challenges, from economic recovery post-pandemic to navigating Indonesia’s role in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. His leadership will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Indonesia’s economic reforms and its foreign policy, particularly with major partners like Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has been proactive in expanding its diplomatic and economic reach across Asia, and Indonesia’s new leadership under Prabowo is likely to further solidify the relationship. Al-Jubeir’s presence at the inauguration signifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening its long-standing partnership with Indonesia, a country of immense strategic importance.

Prabowo’s inauguration marks not just a leadership change but a pivotal moment for Indonesia’s future. Saudi Arabia’s engagement in this ceremony highlights the deepening ties between the two nations and the prospects for even greater collaboration in the years ahead.