JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto is currently on a strategic overseas trip, with his first visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping, followed by a visit to the United States at the invitation of President Joe Biden, before attending the APEC Summit in Peru and the G20 Summit in Brazil. This step is seen as an important effort to strengthen economic diplomacy and open up investment opportunities for the sake of equitable economic growth in Indonesia.
International Political Observer from Paramadina University, Pipip A Rifai Hasan, said that President Prabowo’s first visit to China and the US, two world economic powers, will bring a strong message regarding the economy, especially to attract investment. “It can be assumed that Prabowo’s visit is mainly to gain economic benefits and attract investment, for the sake of national economic progress,” he said.
During his visit to China, President Prabowo is expected to be able to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement between the two countries, considering that China has been Indonesia’s main trading partner for the past ten years, with a trade value of almost USD150 billion. Pipip emphasized the importance for Indonesia and China to achieve balanced economic cooperation, to ensure equitable benefits.
“Economic cooperation between Indonesia and China needs to be done more proportionally, so that it does not only benefit one party,” said Pipip. He also said that increasing economic relations has the potential to boost trade growth by up to 19.8 percent per year. This could have an impact on economic equality within the country, open up more job opportunities, and support poverty alleviation.
In addition to focusing on the economy, Pipip suspects that President Prabowo will also bring Indonesia’s perspective as a country that has experienced colonization and discrimination. This view is expected to be Indonesia’s contribution in efforts to reduce global tensions, especially in the Middle East and Asia issues. This Indonesian perspective is considered important in strengthening Indonesia’s image as a country that prioritizes international peace and stability.
However, Pipip emphasized that the success of this overseas visit still depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of Prabowo’s government at home. According to him, the impact of foreign diplomacy will only be felt if the government’s work programs can be implemented on target. Pipip suggested that Prabowo’s government avoid image politics and focus on strategic programs to overcome economic disparities and provide jobs for the community.
This visit is an important moment for Indonesia to expand international relations, attract investment, and build a national economy that is equitable and just. This success is expected to not only benefit the national economy, but also to boost Indonesia’s position in the global arena as a country committed to world peace and prosperity.