WASHINGTON, D.C. February 19, 2026 – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held bilateral talks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono on Thursday, reaffirming the strong partnership between the United States and Indonesia amid shared goals for stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
In an official statement posted on X, Secretary Rubio said: “Met with Foreign Minister Sugiono today to deepen our countries’ economic and security cooperation. Indonesia is a valued partner in promoting a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, and I thanked him for Indonesia’s support for the Board of Peace as a founding member.”
The meeting, which took place in Washington, D.C., focused on advancing the two nations’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions centered on expanding mutually beneficial trade, enhancing defense and security collaboration, and coordinating on regional issues.
The engagement comes just one day after the inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace (BoP), an international initiative aimed at promoting global peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction, with a primary focus on Gaza. Indonesia, under President Prabowo Subianto, became one of the 20 founding members of the Board of Peace in January 2026 after Prabowo signed its charter at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
As part of its commitment, Indonesia has pledged substantial support for Gaza stabilization efforts, including up to 8,000 troops for an international force, alongside contributions to reconstruction. The State Department readout also noted Indonesia’s role in post-conflict efforts in the region.
A formal handshake photo released with the announcement shows Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Sugiono standing before the flags of both nations, symbolizing the warmth and strength of the bilateral relationship.
This latest high-level dialogue builds on recent momentum, including a new reciprocal trade agreement between the U.S. and Indonesia, and underscores Washington’s emphasis on deepening alliances with key Southeast Asian partners to counter regional challenges and promote shared prosperity.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments in U.S.-Indonesia relations and the Board of Peace initiative.
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