President Erdoğan's Visit to Indonesia (February 2025)

A formal state visit took place between 11 and 12 February 2025 to strengthen diplomatic, economic and strategic relations between Türkiye and Indonesia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during this visit, attended the first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, and witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements between the two country.

During the visit, a total of 13 memoranda of understanding were signed to enhance cooperation in defense industry, trade, energy, mining, agriculture, health, education and media like sectors. Among these agreements is the “Joint Production Agreement for the Export of Bayraktar TB3 and AKINCI” between Baykar Technology and Indonesian defense company Republikorp.

Scope of the Visit and Welcome Ceremony

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in the Indonesian capital Jakarta on 11 February 2025. Erdoğan and his delegation were received at Halim Perdanakusuma Military Airport by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Turkish Ambassador to Jakarta Talip Küçükcan and other officials. President Erdoğan and his wife Emine Erdoğan posed for commemorative photographs with children holding the Turkish and Indonesian flags during their transfer to the hotel.

On 12 February 2025, Erdoğan was officially welcomed by President Subianto at the Bogor Presidential Palace. During the welcome ceremony, cavalry escorted Erdoğan’s vehicle, and Indonesian children greeted the delegation with Turkish and Indonesian flags at the entrance. As part of the official ceremony, the national anthems of both countries were played, a 21-gun salute was fired, and the leaders reviewed the honor guard. Erdoğan and Subianto posed for the press in front of the Turkish and Indonesian flags at the palace entrance and subsequently signed the official guest book.

High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council Meeting and Signed Agreements

President Erdoğan and Indonesian President Subianto held the first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Discussions focused on expanding economic, commercial and political cooperation between the two countries. At the conclusion of the meeting, 13 cooperation agreements were signed between Türkiye and Indonesia.

The signed agreements are as follows:

1. Agreement on Cooperation in Health and Medical Sciences
2. Memorandum of Understanding on Energy and Natural Resources
3. Letter of Intent on Promotion and Facilitation of Investments
4. Memorandum of Understanding on Establishment of an Industrial Cooperation Joint Committee
5. Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation
6. Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing Cooperation in Trade
7. Mutual Agreement on Cooperation in Higher Education
8. Mutual Agreement on Cooperation in Religious Services and Religious Education
9. Defense Industry Cooperation Agreement
10. Joint Production Agreement for the Export of Bayraktar TB3 and AKINCI
11. Cooperation Agreement between Anadolu Agency and Indonesian News Agency (ANTARA)
12. Mutual Agreement on Radio Cooperation (TRT and Indonesian Public Radio – LPP RRI)
13. Cooperation Protocol between TRT and Indonesian Public Television Network (TVRI)

These agreements aim to foster cooperation in various areas including trade expansion, increased collaboration in energy and mining, and the implementation of joint projects in education and defense industry sectors.

Defense Industry Cooperation

Significant steps have been taken to establish comprehensive defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Indonesia. President Erdoğan and President Subianto evaluated opportunities for cooperation in military education, defense technology transfer and joint production projects. The signed Defense Industry Cooperation Agreement aims to elevate bilateral defense collaboration to a higher level.

Export Agreement between Baykar and Republikorp

A key highlight of the visit was the signing of the “Joint Production Agreement for the Export of Bayraktar TB3 and AKINCI” between Baykar Technology and Indonesian defense company Republikorp. The agreement was signed by Baykar General Manager Haluk Bayraktar and Republikorp Founder Norman Joesoef.

Under the agreement, 60 Bayraktar TB3 (UCAVs) and 9 Bayraktar AKINCI will be exported to Indonesia. This marks the first export of the Bayraktar TB3 to Indonesia.

Economic Cooperation and Trade Goals

President Erdoğan and Indonesian President Subianto held discussions aimed at enhancing trade relations. The parties agreed on a target to reach a trade volume of 10 billion USA dollars by 2026.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing Trade Cooperation, signed between Turkish Minister of Trade Omar Bolat and Indonesian Minister of Trade Budi Santoso, includes provisions to increase trade opportunities for SMEs, facilitate trade and create new investment opportunities.

The Palestinian Issue and Regional Policies

During his visit to Indonesia, President Erdoğan expressed his views on the Palestinian issue. Erdoğan emphasized that the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with full territorial integrity can no longer be delayed.

He also stated that the material damage caused by Israel’s 15 moon long attacks has approached 100 billion dollars and that, under international law, this damage must be compensated by the responsible party.