Pakistan–Indonesia: Renewing a Strategic Partnership for a Shared Future.
By Zamir Awan
The official visit of President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Prabowo Subianto, to Islamabad from 8–9 December 2025 marks a defining moment in Pakistan–Indonesia relations. Undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister H.E. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, this landmark visit—President Prabowo’s first to Pakistan—coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The timing could not be more meaningful. At a moment of profound global uncertainty and regional realignment, Islamabad and Jakarta have chosen to reaffirm trust, deepen cooperation, and chart an ambitious path forward grounded in shared values and common aspirations.
Pakistan and Indonesia are not merely long-standing partners; they are nations connected by history, culture, faith, and a shared outlook on global affairs. As the world’s second- and largest Muslim-majority countries by population respectively, both occupy pivotal positions in their regions and carry responsibilities that extend beyond national borders. Their partnership, therefore, holds promise not only for bilateral gains but also for broader regional stability and global cooperation.
A Visit of Symbolism and Substance
President Prabowo’s visit was rich in both symbolism and substance. It followed the last presidential visit from Indonesia in 2018, when President Joko Widodo traveled to Pakistan, and it underscored continuity as well as renewal in bilateral ties. During his stay, President Prabowo held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and met President Asif Ali Zardari. He was also called on by the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the engagement and the importance both sides attach to strategic dialogue.
The discussions covered a wide-ranging agenda aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, health, information technology, climate change, education, and culture. The signing of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements during the visit gave concrete expression to shared intent and laid the groundwork for sustained collaboration.
Indonesia and Pakistan: Natural Partners
Indonesia’s global and regional stature makes it a natural and valuable partner for Pakistan. Strategically located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, with over 284 million people, and the largest Muslim-majority nation. As a member of the G20, a founding member of ASEAN, and an active participant in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Indonesia plays an influential role in shaping regional and global agendas. Its successful presidency of the G20 in 2022, culminating in the Bali Summit, further highlighted its diplomatic credibility and leadership capacity.
Pakistan, with a population of approximately 250 million, is the world’s fifth most populous country and the second-largest Muslim-majority nation. It occupies a strategic crossroads linking South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and China. As a member of the OIC, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and numerous regional and global forums—and as the only Muslim country with nuclear capability—Pakistan brings a unique strategic perspective and considerable potential to any partnership.
These complementary strengths make Pakistan and Indonesia well-positioned to work together in shaping a more balanced, inclusive, and multipolar world order.
From Shared Values to Shared Action
The real strength of Pakistan–Indonesia relations lies in the convergence of values and interests. Both countries have navigated complex political transitions, faced developmental challenges, and demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. They share a commitment to sovereignty, multilateralism, peaceful coexistence, and socio-economic development. This common ground has fostered mutual understanding and trust over the decades.
The seven MoUs signed during President Prabowo’s visit reflect a pragmatic and forward-looking approach to cooperation. In education, the mutual recognition of higher education degrees and the establishment of scholarship programs for Pakistani students in Indonesia will promote academic exchange, capacity building, and people-to-people connectivity. These initiatives will help nurture a new generation of scholars and professionals familiar with each other’s societies and cultures.
In the health sector, collaboration in healthcare services—including the deployment of Pakistani doctors and medical experts to Indonesia—addresses immediate needs while building long-term institutional linkages. This partnership underscores the shared belief that human development lies at the heart of national progress.
Trade and economic cooperation featured prominently, with agreements aimed at enhancing halal trade and certification and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given the size of their domestic markets and their expanding middle classes, Pakistan and Indonesia have much to gain from closer trade ties, joint ventures, and technology sharing. SMEs, in particular, are engines of employment and innovation, and cooperation in this area can yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
Security cooperation, including efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and enhance law enforcement coordination, reflects shared concerns and responsibilities. By working together to address transnational threats, both countries contribute to regional stability and the safety of their peoples.
Agreements on archives and historical preservation may appear modest at first glance, but they carry deeper significance. Preserving historical records strengthens institutional memory, promotes cultural understanding, and reinforces a shared sense of identity and purpose.
Economic Promise and Strategic Opportunity
Despite strong political ties, economic engagement between Pakistan and Indonesia remains below potential. The renewed momentum generated by President Prabowo’s visit offers an opportunity to address this gap. Both countries possess abundant natural resources, youthful populations, and growing technological capabilities. By pooling resources, sharing expertise, and aligning development strategies, they can accelerate growth and enhance resilience.
Indonesia’s experience in industrial diversification, digital governance, and sustainable development can offer valuable lessons for Pakistan. Conversely, Pakistan’s strengths in agriculture, textiles, human capital, and emerging technology sectors can complement Indonesia’s economic priorities. Joint ventures in energy, infrastructure, and climate adaptation could further deepen cooperation and contribute to shared prosperity.
People-to-People Connectivity: The Foundation of Partnership
Ultimately, the durability of any bilateral relationship rests on people-to-people ties. Cultural exchanges, tourism, academic collaboration, and media engagement help translate diplomatic goodwill into lasting bonds. Pakistan and Indonesia, bound by shared faith and cultural affinities, are well-placed to strengthen these connections.
Enhanced connectivity will also help counter stereotypes and foster mutual respect. As citizens learn more about each other’s histories, aspirations, and challenges, the partnership will gain a human dimension that transcends official agreements.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
The visit of President Prabowo Subianto has injected new energy into Pakistan–Indonesia relations at a time when cooperative diplomacy is urgently needed. It has reaffirmed that trust, dialogue, and collaboration remain powerful tools for addressing shared challenges and seizing common opportunities.
As both nations look to the future, the message is clear: close cooperation is not a choice but a necessity. By leveraging each other’s strengths and supporting one another through challenges, Pakistan and Indonesia can help shape a more peaceful, prosperous, and just regional and global order.
The fruits of this visit will not be measured solely by signed documents, but by the tangible improvements it brings to the lives of ordinary people—through jobs created, skills enhanced, healthcare improved, and horizons expanded. With sustained commitment and mutual respect, the partnership between these two brotherly Muslim countries can become a model of South–Southeast Asian cooperation.
Seventy-five years after establishing diplomatic ties, Pakistan and Indonesia stand ready to write a new chapter—one defined by confidence, collaboration, and a shared destiny.
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Advisor, Consultant, Researcher at Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).