In brief
On November 7, President Prabowo Subianto held a credential‑presentation ceremony at Merdeka Palace, inducting officials from 11 foreign missions. The event underscored Indonesia’s intent to deepen bilateral and multilateral ties, followed by a reception that highlighted national culture with a traditional dance and music performance.
President Prabowo Subianto formally welcomed 11 new foreign ambassadors to Indonesia at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Friday, November 7, 2026, to mark the start of their tenures and underline Jakarta’s dedication to fostering stronger bilateral cooperation with friendly nations.
The ceremony listed envoys arriving from Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Norway, Japan, Switzerland, Malaysia, Finland, the Holy See, Suriname, and the European Union, who presented their credentials to the president in a formal session that mirrored Indonesia’s tradition of diplomatic protocol.
In a statement released by the Cabinet Secretariat, President Prabowo said the Indonesian government was “open and prepared to strengthen friendships, build partnerships, and develop various mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities with friendly nations.”
Following the credential presentation, the president hosted the ambassadors at a bilateral meeting and reception. The gathering was designed to encourage direct dialogue between Indonesia and the new representatives, providing a platform for discussing common interests and exploring avenues for expanding trade, cultural exchange, and strategic collaboration.
The reception featured a cultural segment that showcased Indonesia’s rich heritage. A traditional dance performance from Jambi, titled the _Zapin Lenggang Kipas_, captivated the audience. Accompanied by a Malagasy string instrument from East Nusa Tenggara known as the _Sasando_, the performance offered a glimpse into the artistic diversity of the archipelago.
The introduction of these 11 ambassadors signals an expansion of Indonesia’s diplomatic footprint, reflecting the nation’s growing role in global affairs. Authorities expect that the broadened diplomatic presence will facilitate deeper strategic ties and mutually beneficial projects, improving the prosperity and welfare of citizens in Indonesia and the sending countries.
The reception’s cultural program also demonstrated Indonesia’s commitment to soft power, inviting the international community to experience the nation’s artistic traditions within a diplomatic context. By combining formal diplomacy with cultural outreach, the event aimed to strengthen personal connections that underpin long‑term partnership formation.
Observers note that the inclusion of a wide array of partners—ranging from individual nations to multilateral entities such as the European Union—reflects Indonesia’s inclusive foreign‑policy strategy, targeting both traditional allies and new partners in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
In closing, President Prabowo emphasized that the ceremony was more than a symbolic gesture; it embodied a concrete initiative to engage partners in ongoing collaboration across key sectors such as trade, technology, and environmental stewardship, thereby advancing Indonesia’s national interests while contributing to global stability.
