Jakarta – During the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 held in Singapore, an engaging moment was captured when Indonesian Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto met with Timor Leste President Jose Manuel Ramos Horta.
Prabowo and Horta warmly embraced and chatted as they walked together to the dinner table on Friday (31/5). Prabowo, dressed in a black suit, was seen laughing, embracing, and patting Horta on the shoulder. The atmosphere of discussion between the two national figures was absorbed in a warm moment.
In a Q&A session, Prabowo revealed how Indonesia, which once had conflicts with Timor Leste, has now become good friends.
“Imagine, now I am sitting with Ramos Horta. He invited me to Timor Leste and I am considering attending,” said Prabowo.
Prabowo continued, Indonesia has a long history with neighboring countries such as Timor Leste, Malaysia, and Singapore. Although conflicts have occurred, efforts to reduce tensions have been ongoing.
“We resolved our differences without the interference of any external forces. We settled our differences, we ended disputes with Malaysia and Singapore,” said Prabowo.
“Now we are like brothers. Now we talk about building, perhaps a bridge between Singapore and Batam, a bridge between Malaysia and Indonesia,” he added.