Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto welcomed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Sunday, October 11, as the two countries prepared to strengthen their strategic partnership.
Al-Sisi’s motorcade arrived at the palace at around 10:35 a.m. local time, accompanied by mounted guards and motorcycle escorts. Hundreds of elementary school students also gathered to welcome the Egyptian leader.
Prabowo greeted Al-Sisi at the palace’s western veranda before the two leaders shook hands and proceeded to the official welcoming ceremony. A traditional Tandok dance from North Sumatra was performed during the reception.
The ceremony featured the national anthems of Egypt and Indonesia, followed by an inspection of the honor guard. Both presidents then introduced their respective delegations before continuing the agenda inside the palace.
The two leaders were scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting, known as a tête-à-tête, followed by bilateral talks and the signing of several memorandums of understanding.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir said on Saturday that the planned agreements would cover visa arrangements, statistical cooperation, fisheries, and an action plan to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
“The President will receive the Egyptian President at the palace, and there will be a series of activities, starting with a one-on-one meeting, bilateral talks, and the signing of memorandums of understanding,” Arrmanatha said.
The planned agreements reflect efforts by Jakarta and Cairo to expand cooperation across several sectors. The visit also serves as a reciprocal trip following Prabowo’s visits to Egypt in 2024 and 2025.
Al-Sisi arrived in Jakarta on Saturday afternoon after visiting South Korea from October 6 to 9 and Malaysia from October 9 to 10. His aircraft received an escort from Indonesian Air Force fighter jets upon entering Indonesian airspace.
According to the report, Al-Sisi was scheduled to return to Egypt on Sunday afternoon after completing his official engagements in Jakarta.
