Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto escorted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta on Sunday, October 11, 2026, following a state visit that included bilateral talks at the Istana Kepresidenan Jakarta.
Departure and Air Escort from Jakarta
President Prabowo and President El-Sisi shared a single vehicle during the trip from the presidential palace complex to the air base. According to a statement released by BPMI Setpres on Sunday, October 11, 2026, President Prabowo remarked, “Anggaplah Indonesia adalah rumah Presiden El-sisi yang kedua.” At the airfield, President Prabowo accompanied President El-Sisi directly to the foot of the aircraft stairs, where the two leaders shook hands as a sign of mutual respect and friendship.
Did You Know? President El-Sisi arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at approximately 17:25 WIB, where he was greeted by officials including Minister Coordinator for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman and Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir before receiving an official welcoming ceremony featuring a guard of honor and salvo cannon blasts. Other greeting officials included Indonesian Ambassador to Egypt Kuncoro Giri Waseso, Egyptian Ambassador to Indonesia Yasser Elshemy, and Air Base Commander Marsma TNI Ali Gusman. His aircraft had been escorted by Sukhoi and F-16 fighter jets upon entering Indonesian airspace.
/data/photo/2026/10/11/6acb6ce9ba626.jpg "Photo: Kompas")
Prabowo highlights Al Azhar language program
The state visit served to reinforce bilateral ties and friendship between Indonesia and Egypt. President Prabowo highlighted the opening of a Bahasa and Sastra Indonesia study program at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, which commenced classes for the 2025/2026 academic year on July 21, 2025. This program was established at the Faculty of Languages and Translation. President Prabowo expressed appreciation for Egypt’s offer of additional scholarships in medical, technical, and science sectors, while also advocating for increased student and faculty exchanges between the two nations. Prabowo noted that while many Indonesian students already study in Egypt, he wants to invite Egyptian educational institutions and teachers to Indonesia.
Leaders address regional security at Merdeka Palace
During their discussions at the Merdeka Palace, the two leaders addressed regional security and global issues. President Prabowo and President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of de-escalation in the Middle East through dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law and the United Nations Charter to protect civilians and safeguard the global economy. Prabowo stated, “Pandangan kami adalah setiap eskalasi akan memberikan dampak yang sangat merugikan kondisi keselamatan warga sipil serta stabilitas dunia terutama perekonomian global.” In a joint press conference, President Prabowo condemned military operations, civilian casualties, and illegal Israeli settlement construction in Palestinian territories. “Mengenai Palestina, kami berdua sangat prihatin atas kekerasan, pelanggaran hukum internasional, operasi-operasi militer Israel, tindakan-tindakan provokatif dan tindakan-tindakan yang melanggar hak-hak asasi manusia,” ujar Prabowo. He added, “Kami mengecam keras pembangunan permukiman ilegal Israel serta tindakan-tindakan yang justru semakin memperburuk keadaan.”
President el Sisi arrives in Jakarta
When did President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrive in Indonesia?
President El-Sisi arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at approximately 17:25 WIB.
What new educational program did President Prabowo mention during the visit?
President Prabowo highlighted the establishment of a Bahasa and Sastra Indonesia study program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, which began operating for the 2025/2026 academic year on July 21, 2025.