President Prabowo Subianto hosted two state visits this week, welcoming Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa to the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, a diplomatic showcase underscoring Indonesia’s strengthened engagement with fellow Global Southnations.

Both Brazil and South Africa are founding members of BRICS, while Indonesia officially joined the bloc earlier this year. Analysts say the visits reflect Jakarta’s ambition to play a bridging role among emerging economies and expand its influence in multilateral forums such as the G20 and BRICS-related initiatives.

Strengthening Brazil–Indonesia partnership

On Thursday, October 23, 2025, President Prabowo received President Lula da Silva in a state ceremony featuring a guard of honor and the national anthems of both countries. The two leaders then held bilateral talks to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental protection.

During the meeting, President Prabowo announced a landmark decision to introduce Portuguese language instruction in Indonesian schools, underscoring Brazil’s growing importance as a strategic partner.

“I have decided that Portuguese will become one of the priority foreign languages taught in Indonesian schools. This reflects how deeply we value Brazil as an important partner,” Prabowo said during a luncheon with Lula at the palace.

He added that he would instruct Higher Education and Science Minister Brian Yuliarto and Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti to begin implementing the policy.

“I will direct both ministers to start introducing Portuguese in our education system. This symbolizes the strong friendship between Indonesia and Brazil,” Prabowo said.

President Lula welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that bilateral cooperation would expand across economic, scientific, and educational fields.

“Brazil and Indonesia share a vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development,” Lula said. “We hope to build stronger partnerships that benefit both nations.”

Lula’s Jakarta visit forms part of his broader Asian tour aimed at boosting Brazil’s economic and political engagement in the region. Indonesia and Brazil established diplomatic ties more than 70 years ago, with trade and agricultural cooperation becoming key pillars of their relationship.

Reaffirming ties with South Africa

A day earlier, on Wednesday, President Prabowo hosted President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in a state ceremony marked by full military honors and a 21-gun salute at the Merdeka Palace.

The event was attended by hundreds of elementary school students waving Indonesian and South African flags, creating a festive atmosphere as the two leaders exchanged warm greetings before inspecting the guard of honor.

Following the ceremony, the presidents held a tête-à-tête meeting to discuss enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, defense, and education, followed by a state dinner hosted by President Prabowo.

Ramaphosa’s visit marked the start of his Southeast Asian tour and reaffirmed more than three decades of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Foreign policy observers note that hosting back-to-back visits from Brazil and South Africa two key players in the Global South demonstrates Indonesia’s growing diplomatic confidence and its intent to play a more proactive role within the BRICS framework.