JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — President Prabowo Subianto was awarded Brunei Darussalam’s highest state honor, the Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati (DK), by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during a state ceremony at the Nurul Iman Palace on Wednesday.
Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat, Yusuf Permana, stated that the DK honor is the most prestigious award conferred by the Sultanate of Brunei and is reserved for world leaders and heads of state who have made significant contributions to enhancing bilateral ties with Brunei Darussalam.
“The conferment of this highest honorary title reflects Brunei’s deep respect and recognition for President Prabowo’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and friendship between our nations,” Yusuf said.
President Prabowo arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan at approximately 10:20 AM local time after departing from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta at 07:00 WIB. His visit marks one of his earliest official international engagements since assuming office.
Upon arrival, President Prabowo was welcomed with full honors at Nurul Iman Palace, where Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah delivered a formal state greeting. The two leaders then held a bilateral meeting to discuss strategic areas of cooperation, including trade, labor, defense, and regional stability.
Following the meeting, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah presided over the official award ceremony, bestowing the DK decoration upon President Prabowo. The event was followed by a state luncheon hosted by the Sultan in honor of the Indonesian delegation.
“This visit signifies not only ceremonial respect but also serves as a platform to deepen strategic partnerships across various sectors,” Yusuf added, highlighting over four decades of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.
Indonesia and Brunei share strong historical and cultural ties and have consistently maintained robust cooperation in sectors such as education, energy, manpower, and halal certification. President Prabowo’s visit is expected to build on this foundation, opening new opportunities in the post-pandemic regional landscape.
Accompanying President Prabowo on this state visit were several key members of the Red and White Cabinet, including Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, Minister of Migrant Workers Abdul Kadir Karding, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
Foreign Minister Sugiono and Cabinet Secretary Teddy traveled with the president aboard the PK-GRD presidential aircraft.
The visit is particularly notable given Prabowo’s stated foreign policy vision of active engagement with ASEAN neighbors and reinvigorated South-South cooperation. Analysts see this honor from Brunei as both symbolic and strategic, reinforcing Indonesia’s leadership role in the region.
“President Prabowo’s outreach to Brunei reaffirms Indonesia’s commitment to ASEAN solidarity and mutually beneficial diplomacy,” said a senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The President is scheduled to return to Jakarta later on Wednesday after completing his full slate of engagements in Brunei Darussalam.
As Indonesia continues to assert its leadership in the region, this visit marks a meaningful chapter in its longstanding relationship with Brunei — one rooted in mutual respect, Islamic values, and shared aspirations for regional peace and prosperity.
