Prabowo Attends 48th ASEAN Summit Retreat Session

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attends the plenary session of the 48th ASEAN Summit at the Mactan Expo in Cebu, Philippines, May 8, 2026. Photo by Kris/Presidential Secretariat Press, Media and Information Bureau.

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended a retreat session as part of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. The gathering of Southeast Asian leaders took place at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, Philippines, on Friday, May 8, 2026.

According to the Presidential Secretariat, upon arrival at the event location, Prabowo was welcomed directly by Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr., the host of the 48th ASEAN Summit. Subsequently, the Head of State, along with all ASEAN leaders, was directed to the ocean pavilion platform for a group photo session.

The Southeast Asian leaders were seen standing side by side. In the photo session, Prabowo stood between Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. After the group photo session, the leaders proceeded to their respective seats to attend the retreat session.

In his opening speech, Philippine President Marcos Jr. addressed the state of great uncertainty in the world today. Bongbong emphasized that the current global conflicts and dynamics have a direct impact on ASEAN countries.

"We gather at a time of uncertainty—a time when events far beyond our region remind us once again of how deeply interconnected we are. Neither distance nor partnerships alone insulate any nation from the ripple effects of conflicts halfway around the world," said Bongbong on Friday, May 8, 2026.

In the series of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, President Prabowo Subianto also attended a plenary session. In his speech, Prabowo stated that amid the increasing global geopolitical dynamics, ASEAN must be the anchor of stability in the region. He believes that this can be achieved through strengthening solidarity and cooperation among countries.

"We must set an example, we must be really committed to having a solid ASEAN and an ASEAN that maintains peace, stability, and values dialogue and collaboration," Prabowo said in the plenary session of the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Prabowo believes that geopolitical conflicts and rivalries negatively impact people and hinder regional development. Therefore, the Chairperson of the Gerindra Party emphasizes that ASEAN must continue to prioritize dialogue and cooperation as the main foundation of inter-country relations.

"We must not allow competition. We must not allow our past to dictate our present and future. Indonesia is determined to build good neighborly policies," said Prabowo.

The president also cautioned that Southeast Asian countries must maintain their independence and avoid being affected by global geopolitical rivalries that could divide the region. "Once again, we must not be swayed and must not be influenced by the currents of geopolitical competition and ego at present," said the former Defense Minister during Joko Widodo's administration.

Read: Prabowo Calls for ASEAN Unity During Summit in Philippines

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