Pres. Marcos arrives in Indonesia

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has arrived in Indonesia, the Office of the Press Secretary said Sunday.

Citing information from the Presidential Security Group, the OPS said Marcos landed at CGK Airport at 12:35 p.m.

"We have a full set of meetings and much work to accomplish during this trip, but it will not be complete without meeting our kababayans in Indonesia and Singapore," Marcos said in his departure speech in Manila.

"And I look forward to sharing with them our commitment and plans for enhancing the government’s efforts to protect the rights and ensure the welfare of our overseas Filipinos, and I convey my appreciation for their support and valuable contributions to our country," he added.

Not long after his arrival in the country Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and son Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos, paid a visit to members of the Filipino community in Jakarta. 

He was warmly welcomed at the event at the Fairmont Hotel, where the mood was similar to when he was still campaigning in the presidential race.

“Basta kasama mga Pilipino, masaya talaga ‘no? Nakuha pati kanta ko eh,” Marcos said in his message.

There are some 7,448 Filipinos in Indonesia, according to the Department of Migrant Workers. Most Filipinos hold managerial and technical or professional level positions such as company directors, engineers, accountants, supervisors and teachers.

Marcos' visit to Indonesia, which will be from September 4 to 6, was at the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

The two leaders are expected to discuss active and multifaceted cooperation in defense, maritime border security, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges.

Also, the two countries are set to renew the 1997 Agreement on Cooperative Activities in the Field of Defense and Security, which will be the mother framework for all defense and security cooperation with Indonesia. —LBG/BM, GMA News