Lukashenko praises Indonesia's economic growth under Prabowo

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he is optimistic about Indonesia’s economy growing stronger in the years ahead, noting significant progress since his first visit 13 years ago.

“Recalling my first visit in 2013, I stand witness to how rapidly this beautiful country has developed. I am convinced that the economy will continue to grow,” he remarked while delivering a joint statement with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday.

Speaking at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Lukashenko expressed delight at revisiting Indonesia to strengthen bilateral cooperation, a strategic agenda he said took a year of preparations.

“I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the president of Indonesia for inviting me to visit this beautiful country,” he told Prabowo.

The Belarusian leader confirmed that his recent talks with Prabowo, ministers, and business representatives had produced multiple agreements ready for follow-up initiatives.

“We in Belarus are very pleased. The plans we have made must now be realized,” he said.

During the bilateral meeting, Indonesia and Belarus also launched a roadmap to guide cooperation across strategic sectors through 2030.

Meanwhile, Prabowo expressed appreciation for Lukashenko’s visit and said the talks reflected increasingly close relations between the two countries.

He also announced plans to reciprocate the visit with a trip to Belarus to strengthen personal ties and enhance official communication. Prabowo previously visited Lukashenko at his residence near Minsk in July 2025.

Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) showed the economy grew 5.61 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, marking the strongest quarterly expansion in more than three years.

Growth was driven by strong household consumption, higher government spending, increased investment, and expansion in the accommodation and food and beverage sectors.

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Translator: Fathur/Maria, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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