MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday congratulated Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on his apparent victory in Indonesia’s presidential election, after early results showed the latter’s landslide win.
“My warmest congratulations to Defense Minister [Prabowo] on his commanding lead in the latest electoral count to be Indonesia's next President,” Marcos said in an X post.
Marcos hoped that the Philippines will continue to have deepening relations with Indonesia under Prabowo’s leadership.
“I look forward to deepening [the Philippines’] bilateral ties with Indonesia, a close neighbor and partner in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), most especially as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year,” he said.
Prabowo, 75, is poised to be Indonesia’s next leader on his third try for the highest post.
According to reports, Prabowo is taking the lead in Indonesia’s presidential election after securing 58 percent of votes based on quick counts.
Official results of the presidential election in Indonesia are due to be announced by March 20.
A former political nemesis of incumbent Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Prabowo lost twice to the former before becoming the defense chief in 2019.
Prabowo was also a former military general.
In January, Marcos expressed optimism that the Philippines’ strengthened ties with Indonesia would continue even after Widodo’s term ends in October this year. (PNA)
