Marcos wants strengthened ties with Indonesia under new presumptive president Prabowo

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto made a commitment to strengthen traditional relations between the Philippines and Indonesia.

In a telephone call with Prabowo on Thursday, Marcos affirmed that the Philippines and Indonesia have a lot in common in over 70 years of bilateral ties.

“That might be a good idea. Yes, there are many areas (that) opened up. The traditional ties has grown stronger over 70 years. In the recent years, President (Joko) Widodo explored many new possibilities. I would be very interested to meet with you to go into some details,” Marcos told Prabowo.

Meanwhile, Prabowo told Marcos that he is looking forward to work with the administration as part of the strengthened bilateral relations between the Philippines and Indonesia.

“I am looking forward to work with you. Philippine-Indonesia relationship have many common interests. I like to know what you are thinking. I hope to meet you as soon as possible,” Prabowo told Marcos.

Marcos said the Philippines is much willing to partner with Indonesia in terms of various sectors such as energy transition, green metals and energy production. He added that there are already some Indonesian companies that have invested in the Philippines.  

Marcos also expressed hope that Prabowo would continue the relationship established between his administration and the leadership of outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Unofficial quick counts from the election point to a sweeping victory for 72-year-old Prabowo.

Pre-election polls showed that more than 60% of Gen Z voters backed Prabowo, who served as an influential military commander in 1998 under authoritarian government.

Prabowo was dismissed from the military amid the allegations of rights violations, including the kidnapping of 13 pro-democracy activists. He has always denied the claims and when pressed, has said all operations he conducted were legal. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News