Jakarta – Apple CEO Tim Cook visited the Indonesian Minister of Defense and president-elect for 2024-2029, Prabowo Subianto, at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense office on Wednesday (April 17).
The meeting took place around 12:45 PM WIB and concluded at 1:50 PM. During this visit, Prabowo and Tim discussed various topics, including the ongoing collaboration between Apple and the Indonesian government.
“On behalf of Apple, I want to congratulate you on your election victory. I look forward to working with you as Apple continues to invest in Indonesia’s technology ecosystem,” Tim wrote in his letter to Prabowo dated March 21, when he announced his visit to Indonesia.
Tim expressed pride in the work that Apple has accomplished with its three development academies in Surabaya, Jakarta, and Batam.
“The vision and commitment of the government to support skill development and innovation are reflected in the exceptional quality of nearly 2,000 graduates so far. Moving forward, I am confident that we can open further successful collaborations between Indonesia and Apple,” Tim said.
The meeting was filled with warmth and laughter, where Prabowo at one point asked if Tim was a vegetarian or vegan.
“Thank you. It is an honor for me to meet with you,” Prabowo said at the end of the meeting.
“I would like to ask, are you a vegetarian or vegan?” Prabowo inquired.
“Neither,” Tim replied.
“If you have time, perhaps we could have dinner together,” Prabowo suggested.
“That would be delightful, thank you,” responded Tim.
Also present at the meeting was the Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Budi Arie Setiadi, and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defense, Donny Ermawan Taufanto.
Earlier that same day, Tim had first met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the State Palace. Their discussion reportedly focused on Apple’s investment plans in Indonesia.