Jakarta (ANTARA) - Steve Mara, a doctoral student at the University of Bradford from Papua, said he has never forgotten President Prabowo Subianto’s message to serve the nation and contribute to global peace.
The message was first delivered when Prabowo was defense minister, and Steve had just completed his master’s at Indonesia’s Defense University, he said during a meeting in London Sunday (Jan. 18).
“He told me to study well so I could return to serve, maintain peace in Indonesia, and contribute to world peace,” Steve said, citing the presidential media team on Tuesday in Jakarta.
Steve said he was delighted to meet Prabowo again, calling the encounter a source of positive energy for students pursuing education far from home.
Amid global conflict and tensions, he said, Prabowo consistently delivers a message of peace in every forum.
“We know the world is far from peaceful, but the president always brings a message of peace, which is extraordinary,” Steve said.
During the meeting, Steve presented his book, released in late 2025, titled "We All Want to Live in Peace," reflecting on peace in alignment with Prabowo’s message.
“The cover features a photo of President Prabowo during his visit to Papua,” Steve said.
Steve said the book is a deep reflection on the meaning of peace, personally and in society and the nation.
“It tells how we make peace with ourselves, with others, and how we create peace in Indonesia,” he added.
Coinciding with Prabowo’s visit to the UK, Indonesia and Britain launched an Economic Growth Partnership in London Monday (Jan. 19) to strengthen cooperation across strategic sectors.
The agreement was signed by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, and UK Minister for Business and Trade Peter Kyle.
UK Ambassador to Indonesia Dominic Jermey, present at the launch, called the partnership “historic” for bilateral relations between Indonesia and Britain.
“This historic agreement elevates UK-Indonesia trade relations,” Jermey said, noting it strengthens cooperation in strategic sectors, including clean energy, digital economy, infrastructure, transport, education, and healthcare.
He added the partnership also reinforces both countries’ commitment to tackle non-tariff barriers, support exporters, and boost two-way investment.
