Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Indonesia on Saturday at Halim Air Force Base in Jakarta, the final leg of an Asian tour. He will be greeted at Merdeka Palace by President Prabowo Subianto at 10:30 am Jakarta time, Indonesian media reported. The meeting opens with a one-on-one session, followed by bilateral talks. Trade, maritime security, and the Palestinian cause are expected to feature prominently in their discussions.
Merdeka Palace, the Dutch-built Jakarta landmark where Indonesia took sovereignty in 1949, will host President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday. The palace is again at the centre of Indonesian power, with President Prabowo Subianto having added a terrace and new buildings to the compound this year. Heritage authorities are also moving to protect the site, which forms part of a 6.8-hectare complex with the State Palace, the Wisma Negara guest house, the State Secretariat, and the Bina Graha building.
The palace has played a significant role in Indonesian history, serving as the residence of the Dutch East Indies governor-general when it was built between 1873 and 1879. The Netherlands recognised Indonesian sovereignty on 27 December 1949, and the building was officially renamed Istana Merdeka, or Independence Palace, the next day. The first Independence Day ceremony took place there in 1950, and it has since been used for various state events, including welcoming ceremonies for visiting leaders.
President Subianto has been expanding the palace compound, with recent works including the addition of a new building at the rear and on the left side of the palace. Culture Minister Fadli Zon said the new building stands on vacant land and does not breach heritage rules. The palace's protected status is also growing, with Jakarta adding Merdeka Palace to its cultural heritage registry in March. The Culture Ministry has also recommended it for national heritage status.
The Indonesian government plans to shift its political centre to Nusantara in Borneo by 2028, with a new palace, the Garuda Palace and State Palace, completed in 2024. President Subianto first visited the future capital on 12 January and a presidential regulation designates Nusantara the political capital by 2028. However, Jakarta remains the capital until Subianto signs a decree on the move.
President El-Sisi and President Subianto last met in New Delhi on 12 September, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. They discussed the war in Iran, freedom of navigation, and a two-state solution for Palestine. The two leaders also had a phone call on 23 March, during which they discussed efforts to contain regional escalation.
President El-Sisi's visit to Indonesia is part of a broader Asian tour, which has included stops in Malaysia and other countries. The Egyptian president was welcomed with a fighter jet escort and a 21-gun salute in Indonesia, ahead of his meeting with President Subianto. The visit is expected to strengthen ties between Egypt and Indonesia, with a focus on advancing a strategic partnership between the two countries.
Key points
- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi will meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Merdeka Palace on Sunday.
- The meeting is expected to cover trade, maritime security, and the Palestinian cause.
- Merdeka Palace, a Dutch-built landmark, has played a significant role in Indonesian history and is being protected as a cultural heritage site.
