ISLAMABAD: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Islamabad on Monday for a two-day official visit aimed at exploring new avenues of cooperation in trade, defence, investment, health, education, and other sectors.
On arrival, the Indonesian President was warmly received by Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
This is Subianto’s maiden trip to Pakistan and the first visit by an Indonesian president since 2018. He touched down at Nur Khan Airbase alongside a high-level delegation of ministers and senior officials, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Jakarta.
During his stay, Subianto will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and will also meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
“Both countries will hold comprehensive discussions on promoting cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, defence, health, IT, climate, education and culture, as well as further strengthening partnership at regional and global levels,” state news agency APP reported.
Several Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be signed during the visit.
Indonesia is home to a small Pakistani expatriate community, primarily involved in businesses such as restaurants, handmade carpets, gemstones, textiles, and herbal products.
Trade between Pakistan and Indonesia has seen a significant rise, reaching $4.7 billion in the 2024–25 fiscal year, up from $3.36 billion the year before, reflecting strong growth in bilateral economic activity.
President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto arrives in Islamabad today on an official visit to Pakistan. 🇵🇰🇮🇩 pic.twitter.com/Bdn0zuFRDL
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 8, 2025
Under the Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement, in force since 2013, Pakistan exports cotton fabrics, cereals, and other goods to Indonesia, while importing palm oil, coal, and various other products in return.
With both countries now working to upgrade the pact to a comprehensive free trade agreement, Islamabad and Jakarta aim to further enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and a broad range of economic sectors.
