Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Brazil and discussion with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has, in Lula’s words, launched a “new phase of cooperation” between them. “We are two of the largest democracies in the world, made up of multiethnic societies, forged in tolerance and respect for our differences,” said Lula. In a statement to the press on the occasion of Prabowo’s visit, Lula commented that “70 years ago, at the Bandung conference, Indonesia raised the banner of battle for a more just international order, and I listened attentively when President Prabowo criticized, at the BRICS summit, [the fact] that international law is being subjugated by force. That’s why the defense of multilateralism is more necessary today than at any other moment.”
In their conversations, the two leaders delved into issues such as food security, renewable energy, bioenergy, defense, and education, in addition to other multilateral issues, including the climate crisis, reform of global governance, and the urgent need for peace in Southwest Asia. Lula emphasized that Indonesia’s entry into the BRICS in 2024 strengthened their bilateral partnership. Lula also reported that Brazil supports Indonesia’s entry into the New Development Bank, which was established by BRICS.
Cooperation in food security was a key topic of their discussion. Lula praised Prabowo’s program for “free nutritious lunches,” launched this year, which intends to reach 83 million students by 2029. Lula offered to share the experience of his National School Food Program, and President Prabowo said that Brazilian programs were an inspiration for similar programs in his country. “We’re very open about saying we use Brazilian programs as a model.”
Brazil and Indonesia are two of the largest emerging economies. In 2024, their bilateral trade reached $6.34 billion, while Brazilian exports totaled $4.46 billion. Indonesia is 16th as a destination for Brazilian exports, but is the 5th largest for agribusiness exports. The agreements they were expected to sign included sanitary and phytosanitary standards, mutual legal assistance, and education. Brazil is also working on expanding its beef exports to the Indonesian market. The two also addressed the possibility that Lula would visit Indonesia in October, which would coincide with the ASEAN summit, TV BRICS reported.
