Indonesia’s Defense Minister and presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto (REUTERS/ File photo)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday congratulated Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto who is leading in Indonesia’s presidential elections.
Subianto raced to an early lead and garnered around 59.8 percent of votes.
“My warmest congratulations to Defense Minister Prabowo on his commanding lead in the latest electoral count to be Indonesia’s next President,” said Marcos in an X post.
Indonesia is an ally of the Philippines in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), with outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo visiting Manila in January.
“I look forward to deepening PH’s bilateral ties with Indonesia, a close neighbor and partner in Asean, most especially as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year,” said Marcos.
During Widodo’s visit to Manila, Marcos said he remained positive about the relationship between the Philippines and Indonesia despite the change of leadership.
“As you conclude your term as president of the Republic of Indonesia in these coming months, I am optimistic that your successor will keep the momentum of positive trajectory in both our bilateral and regional partnership,” Marcos said then.