The President-elect for the 2024-2029 term and Minister of Defense of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, had a busy schedule from Friday (31/5) to Monday, filled with nonstop activities.
From Friday to Saturday, Prabowo was in Singapore to attend and speak at the IISS Shangri-la Dialogue, an international forum featuring leaders and defense ministers from various countries.
He arrived in Singapore on Friday afternoon. That evening, Prabowo attended the Gala Dinner at the IISS Shangri-la Dialogue, where he met with several high-ranking officials from other countries, including US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Timor Leste President Ramos Horta.
On Saturday morning, Prabowo visited the Istana in Singapore to meet with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Afterwards, he headed to the Shangri-La Hotel to participate in the IISS Shangri-la Dialogue.
Before speaking at the forum, Prabowo first held a bilateral meeting with Lloyd Austin around 12:15. Later, at 14:45, Prabowo took the stage to speak at the forum.
Among the topics Prabowo discussed was Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to provide aid to Gaza and, if needed and requested by the United Nations (UN), to send peacekeeping troops. He also stated that Indonesia is prepared to send medical personnel to field hospitals there and to evacuate injured citizens.
“When requested by the UN, we are ready to contribute significant peacekeeping forces to maintain and monitor this ceasefire effort and to provide protection and security to everyone,” said Prabowo during the IISS forum at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, on Saturday (1/6/2024).
After delivering his special address, Prabowo attended several separate bilateral meetings, including with Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On Sunday morning, Prabowo immediately returned to Indonesia and was active in Yogyakarta. He arrived in Yogyakarta around 12:15 PM WIB.
In Yogyakarta, Prabowo made a work visit to the Military Academy (Akmil) to deliver national guidance to the Military Basic Education Scholars and Cadets of the Defense University (Unhan).
Afterwards, Prabowo continued his work visit to SMA Taruna Nusantara and also toured the educational facilities there. That day, he also took the time to visit his senior in the military, retired General Subagyo Hadi Siswoyo (HS).
On Monday, Prabowo continued his activities by inspecting the installation of clean water pipes in Kalurahan Banyusoco, Playen, Gunungkidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), on Monday (3/6).
This assistance, provided by the Ministry of Defense (Kemhan) of RI and the Defense University (Unhan) of RI, aims to help communities experiencing a clean water crisis. Prabowo mentioned that previously, the local community could only harvest once a year.
“This means the community can now harvest three times, whereas previously it was only once,” said Prabowo.
After visiting Gunungkidul, Prabowo hurried back to Jakarta to work at the Ministry of Defense and meet several guests, including the Ambassador of New Zealand Kevin Burnett.