When President Prabowo Subianto welcomed King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein to the Merdeka Palace on 14 November 2025, the meeting felt far more personal than a conventional state visit. For many heads of state, diplomatic engagements are formal events governed by protocol. For these two leaders, however, the encounter carried the warmth of a long-awaited reunion between old friends.
Their bond has endured for nearly three decades. It began during their early military careers, matured through shared challenges, and now serves as one of the strongest foundations of the modern relationship between Indonesia and Jordan. At a time when developments in the Middle East are closely watched by the world, the personal rapport between Prabowo and King Abdullah has become a valuable diplomatic asset.
Brotherhood Rooted in Military Training
Prabowo and Abdullah II first crossed paths through their shared military background. Both trained in environments that emphasized discipline, elite operational skills, and leadership. Their time at Fort Benning in the United States, a renowned center for special operations training, marked the beginning of a friendship shaped by shared values and professional respect.
Their relationship deepened in the mid-1990s. A pivotal moment occurred in 1995, when Abdullah, then still a prince and the commander of Jordan’s Special Forces, attended the ceremony marking Prabowo’s appointment as Commander of Indonesia’s Kopassus.
That encounter cemented a friendship that continued to grow even as their careers took different trajectories. Abdullah II ascended the Jordanian throne in 1999, while Prabowo spent years navigating Indonesia’s political landscape before becoming president in 2024.
When Jordan Became a Second Home
One of the most defining chapters in their friendship came in 1998. At a time when Prabowo faced intense political pressure in Indonesia, he stayed temporarily in Jordan. During this difficult period, he was welcomed with extraordinary hospitality and treated as part of the Jordanian royal family.
King Abdullah II has spoken publicly about this moment. He once recalled a conversation with his late father, King Hussein, regarding Prabowo’s arrival. When King Hussein asked him who Prabowo was, Abdullah replied, “He is my brother.” King Hussein responded, “If he is your brother, then he is my brother as well.” This exchange became a symbolic expression of the royal family’s trust and acceptance.
For Prabowo, Jordan became more than a country of refuge. It became a place of comfort and friendship. This personal history explains why, decades later, he still describes Jordan as an important part of his life story.
Turning Personal Ties into Strategic Cooperation
During their November 2025 meeting in Jakarta, Prabowo spoke openly about the emotional significance of his connection to Jordan. He recalled how the royal family had embraced him many years ago, highlighting how deeply the relationship has influenced his views on bilateral cooperation.
King Abdullah II has shown equal warmth and respect. In previous encounters, including a well-documented meeting in 2014, the two leaders exchanged military-style salutes, reflecting their shared origins as officers and the mutual admiration that still defines their relationship.
At the state-to-state level, this personal bond has translated into concrete cooperation. Indonesia and Jordan continue to collaborate on security issues, humanitarian concerns, and regional diplomacy.
The two nations share alignment on several Middle Eastern developments, including issues related to Gaza and broader regional stability. Their partnership extends to defense cooperation, dialogue platforms, and symbolic gestures such as the honor medals awarded to Prabowo by the Jordanian government.
The deep trust between the two leaders strengthens the diplomatic bridge between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. It also creates opportunities for expanded collaboration in defense, economics, education, and humanitarian efforts.
A Rare Bond with Lasting Impact
The relationship between President Prabowo and King Abdullah II is a powerful example of how personal friendship can reinforce diplomatic ties. In an era of shifting geopolitical tensions and evolving challenges in the Middle East, their long-standing bond offers stability and continuity.
Their connection is not merely the result of political alignment. It is built on shared military values, respect forged through personal history, and genuine brotherhood. As both countries look ahead, this foundation is likely to shape a deeper and more strategic partnership that supports not only national interests but also regional peace and cooperation.
