When the president of Indonesia embarked on his whirlwind global tour last month, visiting six countries in just over two weeks, it marked an unprecedented chapter in my country’s diplomatic history. In meeting the world’s most powerful leaders, including China’s President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden, as well as key figures from the European Union, United Kingdom, Latin America, and the Middle East, President Prabowo Subianto demonstrated that Indonesia is stepping up to its rightful place on the world stage.
For a leader barely a month into his presidency, the tour underscored not only our president’s commitment to active diplomacy but also our country’s determination to assert itself as a global player, true to its principles of independence, sovereignty, and pragmatic engagement.
Indonesia is the world’s fourth-most populous nation. With our vast resources, strategic geographic location, and dynamic economy, we cannot and will not be isolated. Our engagement with the world is not just a choice, but a necessity.
President Prabowo’s tour was both ambitious and forward-looking. He engaged with China to deepen our strategic partnership, underscored our shared democratic values with the U.S., and emphasized multilateral cooperation at the APEC Summit in Peru and the G-20 Summit in Brazil. These engagements signal that Indonesia will not align itself exclusively with any major power, staying true to the president’s election promise of balanced and independent diplomacy.
Indonesia’s foreign policy under President Prabowo is one of pragmatic partnerships, focused on mutual benefit and long-term collaboration. The president’s meetings with President Xi and President Biden were emblematic of this vision.
In China, the president highlighted centuries of collaboration between our nations, reaffirming a commitment to mutual trust and investment. The agreements signed during the visit, worth over $10 billion, span renewable energy, biotechnology, and social programs such as the president’s flagship school meals initiatives. Yet, the president was clear that Indonesia’s sovereignty, particularly in the North Natuna Sea, remains non-negotiable.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., President Prabowo engaged deeply with American leaders, including a warm call with President-elect Trump and meetings with members of the U.S.-Indonesia Society, emphasizing defense and economic partnerships. As he noted, while Indonesia enjoys excellent political relations with the U.S., our economic ties have room to grow – a focus this Indonesian administration is committed to addressing. With the objective of enhancing trade and economic cooperation with the U.S. in mind, President Prabowo committed to offering American companies equal access to Indonesia’s critical minerals and the same opportunities provided to Indonesian businesses. Given Indonesia’s vast resources and America’s strategic needs, this commitment represents a significant step in fostering mutual economic growth and deeper bilateral ties.
The global rivalry between the U.S. and China often puts countries like Indonesia in a challenging position. Yet, our commitment to balanced diplomacy ensures that we remain an independent actor, fostering relationships with both superpowers while advocating for regional stability and global peace.
This balanced approach is not new for President Prabowo. Two years ago, he called for a “freeze” in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the establishment of a buffer zone to create the right conditions for negotiations. At the time, critics dismissed his proposal. Today, that same concept is at the center of global discussions. The president’s ability to think ahead and propose practical solutions, even in the face of skepticism, is a hallmark of his leadership.
The President’s tour also reaffirmed Indonesia’s role in multilateral forums. At the APEC Summit in Peru, Prabowo emphasized open and fair trade, advocating for greater cooperation among Pacific nations. In Brazil, during the G-20 Summit, he pushed for inclusive global governance, ensuring that Indonesia’s voice is heard on critical issues such as climate change and sustainable development.
His meetings with European leaders and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer showcased Indonesia’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable partnerships. Meanwhile, his engagements in the UAE reinforced Indonesia’s position as a stabilizing force in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Diplomatic tours of this length and scale often attract criticism. Detractors may question the speed or style of such engagements, but what matters is the substance. For Indonesia, diplomacy is not about appearances but outcomes.
President Prabowo’s approach is unconventional, but it has been effective. As a forward-thinking leader, he understands that achieving global recognition as an emerging power requires challenging norms and pursuing innovative strategies.
President Prabowo’s leadership is rooted in a belief that domestic development and international engagement must go hand in hand. By building strong partnerships with countries like China, the U.S., and emerging economies, we are ensuring that Indonesia’s growth is supported by a robust global network. Under his leadership, our government is already working on bridging the gap between our domestic priorities and international relations. For example, while maintaining strong ties with China, Indonesia is keen to expand economic collaboration with the U.S., ensuring that our diplomatic relations translate into tangible benefits that, in turn, reinforce the bonds between us.
Indonesia’s emergence as a global player will not happen overnight. It requires consistent effort, resilience, and a clear vision. President Prabowo’s tour has laid the foundation, signaling to the world that Indonesia is ready to engage, lead, and contribute.
Critics will undoubtedly continue to question his methods, just as they did with his proposals on Ukraine or many of his ideas during the electoral campaign. Yet, the president’s forward-thinking, out-of-the-box ideas prove their merit over time.
This tour was not just a series of diplomatic visits; it was a declaration of intent. Indonesia is a sovereign nation, committed to balanced diplomacy, mutual respect, and a vision of shared prosperity. Under President Prabowo’s leadership, we are poised to take our rightful place on the global stage, confident in our values and our future.