By: Anindya Dewi )*
President Prabowo Subianto’s overseas visit is an important step in strengthening the Indonesian economy through increasing international cooperation that supports economic growth and equality. During this visit, President Prabowo visited several countries, including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Peru, and Brazil, with the aim of strengthening diplomatic relations and opening new paths for investment and innovation. This step not only strengthens Indonesia’s position in the international arena, but also has a long-term impact on sustainable national development.
Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Eddy Soeparno, considered this visit very important because it opens up opportunities for cooperation in the field of green economy and energy transition, two aspects that are now global priorities. By showing openness to foreign investment and collaboration on climate change issues, Indonesia can improve its reputation as a strategic partner in the Southeast Asia region. This step is also important to support the energy transition that is currently being intensified, in order to accelerate the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
In China, President Prabowo met with President Xi Jinping to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. During the meeting, cooperation worth more than USD 10 billion was agreed upon, covering the blue economy and renewable energy sectors. This cooperation is expected to have a direct impact on increasing economic activity and creating jobs, especially in the maritime and clean energy sectors.
The agreement made by President Prabowo with President Xi Jinping not only strengthens diplomatic relations between the two countries but also opens up investment opportunities that support industrialization in Indonesia, especially in the blue economy and sustainable management of marine resources. In addition, major projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung “High-Speed Train” and the planned construction of the “Great Sea Wall” in northern Java are important symbols of this cooperation, showing the seriousness of the two countries in realizing resilient and adaptive development to climate change.
President Prabowo also plans to fight for equal access to technology in international forums such as APEC and G20, which are attended by major countries in the world. President Prabowo will convey the need to strengthen global cooperation in the field of digital technology, especially for developing countries such as Indonesia that have gaps in technology adoption.
Through its involvement in APEC and G20, Indonesia wants to ensure that the digitalization of the economy not only impacts developed countries, but also provides benefits to developing countries through improving technological infrastructure and digital access. This is very relevant to the government’s vision to strengthen the innovation-based digital economy, as one of the pillars in the national economic transformation effort.
Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Saan Mustopa, also has high hopes for President Prabowo’s overseas visit. According to him, this visit is expected to bring concrete investment agreements, which will support Indonesia’s economic growth in the long term. He sees the importance of closer bilateral and multilateral relations with developed countries as a foundation for strengthening the domestic economy, opening up jobs, and improving the quality of life of the community.
In addition to China, President Prabowo is also eyeing cooperation with the United States and the United Kingdom. Both countries are considered potential partners in the development of high-tech industries in Indonesia. With stronger collaboration, Indonesia is expected to accelerate the development of modern technology-based industries, including in the fields of renewable energy and digital infrastructure.
Support from both countries is considered very important to accelerate the national economic transformation, which is currently focused on technology and innovation-based development. In this context, President Prabowo’s visit is seen as a strategic step to increase Indonesia’s global competitiveness, especially in facing increasingly complex and dynamic economic challenges.
Meanwhile, an academic and economist, Achmad Nur Hidayat, sees China as a strategic partner that has a significant influence in increasing Indonesia’s economic growth. According to him, investment from China has great potential to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic industries, open up job opportunities, and accelerate economic transformation towards a greener direction.
The great hope of the Indonesian public is focused on the real results of this overseas visit, which is expected to be able to bring in new investment flows and support industrialization in various sectors, especially the economic sector. For Hidayat, foreign direct investment obtained from countries such as China is an important asset for national development, especially amidst Indonesia’s efforts to achieve economic independence and position itself as a major player in the Southeast Asian region.
Overall, President Prabowo Subianto’s overseas visit has had a positive impact on Indonesia’s economic growth and equity. Through strengthening diplomatic relations, increasing investment, and a commitment to sustainable development, this visit demonstrates Indonesia’s efforts to become a more complete and highly competitive country in the international arena. President Prabowo is not only fighting for national economic interests, but also demonstrating Indonesia’s role as a regional leader committed to global collaboration.
)* World Economic Observer