March 23, 2026 | 05:57 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasizes that his various visits abroad are oriented towards national economic interests. This statement also addresses public perceptions that the president's official trips are often seen as ceremonial or just a form of sightseeing.
The explanation was conveyed by Prabowo during an around-table discussion with journalists and experts in Hambalang on on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. In the forum, he emphasized that Indonesia's membership in various international organizations demands active participation on the global stage, both to maintain political relations and to strengthen economic cooperation.
Indonesia is currently involved in several strategic forums such as ASEAN, G-20, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This membership is more than just a diplomatic symbol; it opens access to markets, investments, and cross-border cooperation, which directly impact the economy.
According to Prabowo, Indonesia must foster good relationships with other countries and maintain its unique position. "If invited, and we do not attend, that's not good. That's why every Indonesian president is tired," said Prabowo, quoted from a video interview shared by the Presidential Secretariat on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
He then added, "People think I like to go sightseeing there. I go there to take care of my people as well."
Prabowo believes that modern diplomacy is no longer limited to political relations alone, but has shifted into a geo-economic instrument through trade. In this context, the direct presence of a head of state often becomes a key factor in opening or accelerating trade and investment agreements.
Prabowo claims that every meeting with the head of another country is related to efforts to maintain and create jobs domestically. According to him, access to export markets, an influx of foreign investments, and industrial cooperation are directly correlated with the absorption of national labor.
Prabowo stated that his assistants in the Red-White Cabinet are indeed responsible for carrying out the technical aspects of various cooperations. However, in practice, several strategic agreements often can only be achieved when there is direct communication between national leaders. "Sometimes, when we negotiate, 'for these goods, you must report to our number one (leader)'. They are always like that. There are important things that must be agreed upon directly," said Prabowo.
The Gerindra Party chair emphasizes that Indonesia must have a strong bargaining position in all relationships with other countries. Therefore, current diplomacy is directed towards becoming a geo-economic instrument. "So if your relationship is not good, you can face various pressures," said Prabowo.
Read: Prabowo Says US Investment in Indonesian Media Will Stay Limited
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