Frank Walter Steinmeier to Visit Istiqlal Mosque
SUARA NEGERI | JAKARTA — The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank Walter Steinmeier, is scheduled to make a state visit to Indonesia on Monday (June 15, 2026).
This visit will be Steinmeier's first to Indonesia since President Prabowo Subianto took office as head of state.
Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Yvonne Elizabeth Mewengkang stated that the German President's visit will include a bilateral meeting with President Prabowo to discuss various strategic agendas between the two countries.
"The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, will make a State Visit to Indonesia on June 15, 2026," Yvonne stated when contacted by reporters via text message on Monday (June 15, 2026).
According to Yvonne, the visit is significant because it will be the first meeting between Steinmeier and Prabowo in their respective capacities as heads of state.
"This will be President Steinmeier's first visit during President Prabowo's term," she said.
She added that the two leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral relations and exchanging views on various international issues of mutual concern.
"The meeting will discuss strengthening cooperation in various fields and issues of mutual concern," said Yvonne.
According to a statement from the German Federal Presidential Office website, Steinmeier will be officially welcomed by President Prabowo at a state ceremony in Jakarta.
During the bilateral meeting, the two leaders will emphasize their commitment to expanding cooperation in business, energy, climate change, skilled labor recruitment, and culture.
In addition to economic and development cooperation, Indonesia and Germany will also affirm their shared views on the importance of democracy, a rules-based international order, and strengthening multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Steinmeier's Jakarta visit also includes a visit to the Istiqlal Mosque.
The German Federal President will tour the largest mosque in Southeast Asia before walking through the Silaturahmi Tunnel to the Jakarta Cathedral, or the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, directly across the street.
The visit to the two houses of worship was intended to demonstrate and appreciate the practice of tolerance and interfaith harmony, which has long been a hallmark of Indonesia.
Afterward, Steinmeier is scheduled to participate in a discussion with experts and representatives of think tanks in Indonesia. The forum will discuss the role of middle powers in addressing the increasingly dynamic global order.
The visit to Indonesia is part of Steinmeier's tour of Southeast Asia. After completing his agenda in Jakarta, the German Federal President is scheduled to continue his journey to Manila, Philippines. (gus)
