ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — A warm spirit of friendship filled Merdeka Palace in Jakarta as Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto welcomed Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja Lula da Silva on a state visit, October 23, 2025.
The meeting between the two Global South leaders marked not only a high-level diplomatic encounter but also the deep personal bond that symbolizes the enduring friendship between Indonesia and Brazil.
From the very first moment, the atmosphere radiated warmth and mutual respect. Upon arrival, President Lula was greeted directly by President Prabowo with an affectionate embrace — a simple yet meaningful gesture that reflected the brotherhood shared by the two nations.
The lighthearted and friendly tone continued throughout the visit. After their joint press statement, both leaders once again shared a heartfelt hug before parting ways, with President Prabowo personally escorting President Lula and the First Lady to their official vehicle.
President Prabowo shared some personal similarities between himself and President Lula.
“We discovered that we both share the lucky number 8, and we were both born in October. Perhaps it’s destiny that we now work together to advance our people’s welfare,” said President Prabowo with a smile, drawing laughter from the attending delegates.
In return, President Lula praised Indonesia’s hospitality and presented a symbolic gift — a football jersey bearing the number 8.
“Number 8 has always been my lucky number, and now I know it’s yours too. That means we’re two very lucky presidents,” Lula said warmly.
Indonesia and Brazil Move Toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership
During the bilateral meeting, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation across key sectors — including trade, energy, defense, research, and innovation — as part of their plan to establish the Indonesia–Mercosur Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
“We see strong complementarities between our economies. As Brazil currently holds the presidency of Mercosur, Indonesia appreciates its support in accelerating the CEPA framework,” President Prabowo stated.
He added that new cooperation agreements were signed in energy and scientific research, including significant partnerships between PLN (Indonesia’s state electricity company) and Brazilian private energy firms.
“This meeting reflects our shared ambition to elevate cooperation in energy, defense, and innovation,” he said.
President Prabowo emphasized that both Indonesia and Brazil represent emerging economic powers in the Global South, together home to more than 500 million people.
“As major democracies and BRICS partners, our collaboration will strengthen a more balanced and inclusive global economy,” he added.
A New Era of South–South Diplomacy
President Lula’s visit to Jakarta followed President Prabowo’s state visit to Brasília in July 2025 — a diplomatic exchange that underscores the revitalization of South–South cooperation.
In his welcoming remarks, President Prabowo congratulated Brazil on its 203rd Independence Day and announced a new policy to prioritize Portuguese language education in Indonesia as a symbol of mutual respect.
“This demonstrates how highly we value our partnership with Brazil,” said President Prabowo.
Both leaders also witnessed the signing of four landmark cooperation agreements, covering energy transition, technology research, defense collaboration, and economic development.
President Lula: The Developing World Owes Much to Indonesia
In his speech, President Lula highlighted the shared responsibility of Indonesia and Brazil in shaping a fairer global order.
“As effective voices of the Global South, we are determined to claim our rightful place in a transforming world. The developing world owes much to Indonesia,” President Lula stated.
He also reaffirmed the urgency of completing the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Mercosur and Indonesia before the end of his term, to boost trade and investment flows between the two major economies.
Beyond economics, President Lula expressed admiration for President Prabowo’s free nutritious meal program for schoolchildren, noting its alignment with the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty launched under Brazil’s G20 presidency.
“There can be no sustainable development without ending hunger and poverty. Indonesia’s free meal initiative is a bold and inspiring contribution to this global mission,” said President Lula.
Two Leaders, One Vision for a Fairer World
The meeting of Presidents Prabowo and Lula transcended formal diplomacy — it became a celebration of friendship, equality, and shared vision among nations of the Global South. Their gestures of camaraderie, mutual respect, and laughter showed the world that diplomacy, at its core, is built on humanity and trust.
“Brazil and Indonesia will be as great as we choose to make them. The more we collaborate — in trade, science, technology, culture, and politics — the stronger our independence will be,” President Lula concluded.
With unity, vision, and mutual respect, Indonesia and Brazil are charting a new era of South–South cooperation — proving that partnership, not rivalry, is the true foundation of global progress. (AT Network)
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