TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended the opening ceremony of the 48th ASEAN Summit at Mactan Expo, Cebu, Philippines, on Friday, May 8, 2026. According to a statement from the Presidential Secretariat, the Head of State arrived at approximately 09:04 a.m. local time (WS) and went straight to the foyer.
Upon arrival, Prabowo was greeted directly by Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise Cacho Araneta Marcos.
Prabowo—adorning a suit jacket combined with a blue shirt and striped tie—was seen shaking hands with Bongbong and Marie. Subsequently, they took a photo together before Prabowo headed to the waiting room with the other leaders present at the summit.
After, President Prabowo, along with other Southeast Asian leaders, headed to Halls 2 and 3 for the opening ceremony.
In his opening address, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of the collective commitment of ASEAN countries to continue maintaining dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect amidst an increasingly complex global dynamic.
Bongbong stated that the presence of the leaders of Southeast Asian countries at the conference reflects the collective spirit of the region.
Additionally, he asserted that the challenges faced by the region at present should be a momentum to strengthen unity and enhance cooperation among ASEAN countries. "If there is one lesson ASEAN has learned over the decades, it is that difficult times do not divide us," Bongbong said in his address.
The opening ceremony of the 48th ASEAN Summit concluded with a group photo session. The ASEAN leaders were seen standing hand in hand.
During the session, President Prabowo stood between the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet.
Yesterday, President Prabowo attended the Special Summit of Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as part of the series of the 48th ASEAN Summit held in Cebu, Philippines.
Prabowo addressed energy security during the meeting, stating that the increased global pressure and geopolitical instability due to Middle East war have made it an "urgent issue" that requires immediate attention.
He stated that the BIMP-EAGA region has great potential in developing renewable energy, from hydroelectric power, solar power, wind power, to underutilized fertile land.
"The question is, are we ready to act based on this potential? Not only to meet our sub-regional needs but also to contribute to ASEAN's energy transition?" the head of state said on Thursday.
Prabowo also called for tangible actions to accelerate the development of clean energy in the region. Some of the highlighted steps include the development of hydroelectric power in Borneo, the expansion of solar energy projects in Palawan, and the utilization of wind energy in coastal areas.
Read: Prabowo Uses Indonesia-Made Maung Car Upon Arrival in Cebu
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo Calls for ASEAN Unity During Summit in Philippines
7 menit lalu
Prabowo assesses that conflict and geopolitical rivalry will only bring negative impact to the people and hinder the development of the ASEAN region.
Prabowo to Discuss Energy, Regional Stability at ASEAN Summit
20 jam lalu
Prabowo is also scheduled to attend the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit.
Prabowo Uses Indonesia-Made Maung Car Upon Arrival in Cebu
21 jam lalu
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said it marked the first time the Indonesian head of state had used the Maung vehicle during an overseas visit.
Today's Top 3 News: 7 BI's Rupiah-Strengthening Strategies, Floods Hit Jakarta
21 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Southeast Asian Leaders Arrive in Cebu for 48th ASEAN Summit
1 hari lalu
Myanmar remains the only ASEAN member not represented by its head of government at this summit.
Prabowo Departs for 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto departs for Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday, May 7, to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit.
Mahfud MD: Prabowo Wants Police Reform Talks to Continue
1 hari lalu
Commissioner Mahfud MD reveals that Prabowo still wants to continue discussions with the Police Reform Commission even though his tenure has ended.
Prabowo Wants Reform of All State Institutions, Not Only Police
1 hari lalu
Prabowo sees the need for broad institutional reform, with the police prioritized as the main law enforcement agency under public scrutiny.
Today's Top 3 News: 7 BI Rupiah-Strengthening Strategies Approved by Prabowo
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Indonesia's Prabowo to Attend ASEAN Summit in Philippines
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo will attend the ASEAN High-Level Conference in the Philippines to discuss food and energy issues with other regional leaders.
