Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on his victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Trump, now elected as the 47th president of the United States, received a warm message from Prabowo through social media.
“My sincere congratulations to Mr. @realDonaldTrump on being elected the 47th President of the United States,” Prabowo posted on his X account on Thursday, November 7.
Prabowo underscored the importance of the Indonesia-U.S. relationship, describing the two nations as strategic partners with strong, multifaceted ties. He emphasized that this partnership has substantial potential for mutual benefit and expressed hopes for closer collaboration with Trump’s administration in promoting peace and stability globally.
Several other Southeast Asian leaders, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., also conveyed their congratulations to Trump. Their messages highlighted hopes for renewed cooperation and partnership between the U.S. and the ASEAN region.
In his message on X, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged Trump’s “extraordinary political resurgence,” expressing hope for a “new chapter” of mutual benefit and collaboration. “Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his remarkable political comeback and election victory. This new chapter presents new opportunities, and we are ready to step forward with optimism, collaboration, and shared purpose,” Anwar said.
Anwar also emphasized the significance of U.S.-Malaysia ties, noting that the U.S. is Malaysia’s largest source of foreign investment and a key player in the Asia-Pacific region. Malaysia, which will chair ASEAN in 2025, hopes for increased U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia, including support in addressing humanitarian crises in regions like Palestine and Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also offered his congratulations, mentioning Trump’s prior historic visit to Singapore in 2018 for the U.S.-North Korea Summit. Wong recalled the strides made in defense, economic, and trade cooperation during Trump’s previous term, and expressed eagerness to deepen these connections further.
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“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, the only FTA the U.S. holds with an ASEAN country. Since its inception, bilateral trade has nearly tripled, and Singapore’s investments in the U.S. have supported over 270,000 high-quality jobs,” Wong noted. He added, “My warmest congratulations to President Trump and Vice President-elect Vance! Singapore looks forward to working closely with your administration to advance our bilateral relationship and further strengthen U.S. partnerships in the Asia-Pacific.”
The collective congratulations from ASEAN leaders illustrate the strong desire within Southeast Asia to maintain and build upon existing partnerships with the United States. Trump’s return to office is seen as an opportunity to strengthen these diplomatic ties, especially as regional leaders look to navigate complex economic and security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
(Becky)
