In a significant development for Indonesia-Turkiye relations, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye is scheduled to visit Indonesia on February 11 and 12, 2025, for the inaugural High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (SCC) meeting. The meeting will be co-chaired by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who has been instrumental in enhancing the strategic ties between the two nations.

According to Rolliansyah “Roy” Soemirat, the spokesperson for the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, the High-Level SCC represents the highest regular bilateral forum between the two countries, with direct leadership from the heads of state. "The meeting will address issues of mutual interest and serve as a platform for sustained dialogue and interaction between Indonesia and Turkiye," Soemirat said.

The partnership, which gained significant momentum at the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022, has expanded beyond diplomatic ties, with both countries keen to deepen their cooperation in areas ranging from defense to trade. High-level officials from both sides have been meeting in preparation for the event, ensuring a well-rounded discussion on key strategic issues.

The High-Level SCC will offer an opportunity for President Erdogan and President Prabowo to discuss potential areas of collaboration, with both leaders focusing on shared priorities. The aim is to not only strengthen the historical ties between the two nations but also create opportunities for future partnerships that can enhance bilateral relations in the long term.

Building on Existing Diplomatic Foundations
The upcoming meeting comes on the heels of Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto's visit to Turkiye in July 2024. During his meetings with President Erdogan and other key Turkish officials, Prabowo emphasized Turkiye’s role as an important strategic partner for Indonesia. He expressed Indonesia’s commitment to further strengthening this partnership, particularly in areas such as defense and regional security.

“Indonesia is determined to enhance the historical friendship with Turkiye. There are many opportunities for us to explore,” Prabowo remarked during his meeting with Erdogan in Ankara. This visit was a part of a broader diplomatic tour, which included stops in France and Serbia.

The discussions between Prabowo and Erdogan focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and exploring the expansion of partnerships, particularly in the defense sector. The two leaders also celebrated the strengthening of ties by acknowledging the success of their past collaborations and laying the groundwork for future projects.

The growing defense ties between the two nations are noteworthy. While specifics were not disclosed during the talks, both sides have expressed interest in joint defense initiatives, technology sharing, and potential collaborations on military equipment.

Turkiye’s Global Strategic Engagement
Turkiye has been expanding its diplomatic reach through high-level cooperation agreements, having entered similar forums with 21 other countries, including Indonesia. These forums are designed to promote broader geopolitical and economic ties, with a focus on mutual development goals. For Indonesia, the opportunity to engage with Turkiye—a major regional power—aligns with its own strategic ambitions in the global arena.

As both nations look to the future, the February 2025 SCC meeting will be a pivotal moment for confirming and expanding these strategic initiatives. Beyond just defense, Indonesia and Turkiye will likely discuss economic, trade, and cultural cooperation, cementing a multifaceted partnership that could have significant implications for both countries’ positions in global diplomacy.

A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
The official announcement of Erdogan’s visit follows a series of high-level exchanges that have solidified the foundation for a robust Indonesia-Turkiye partnership. With the High-Level SCC meeting on the horizon, both Presidents are expected to chart a path forward that balances historical ties with the evolving global landscape.

The partnership’s focus on defense cooperation is particularly noteworthy given Indonesia’s growing role in Southeast Asia and Turkiye’s ambitions to assert itself more prominently in global affairs. Together, the two countries represent a unique alliance that blends regional influence with international strategy.

As the world watches these two nations align their interests, the February summit stands as a significant milestone in the strengthening of Indonesia-Turkiye relations, promising long-term benefits for both sides and marking the beginning of a new era in bilateral diplomacy.