JAKARTA – The recent visits of Indonesia’s 8th President, Prabowo Subianto, to China and the United States (US) mark a new chapter in Indonesia’s increasingly proactive diplomacy on the international stage. These visits not only strengthen relationships with major countries but also demonstrate Indonesia’s commitment to playing an important role in world geopolitics. As the first friendly country visited, China becomes a symbol of recognition for Indonesia’s position in the world, while the visit to the US further reinforces Indonesia’s image as a strategic partner.
Professor of International Relations at the University of Indonesia, Fredy Buhama Lumban Tobing, shared his perspective on the significance of the visit to China:
“It’s interesting because China is the first friendly country visited by Mr. Prabowo as the 8th President of Indonesia. The invitation from the Chinese government indicates that China recognizes Indonesia’s strategic role in the future geopolitical map of the world,” said Fredy.
The visit to the US is equally important. Besides strengthening economic and political ties, President Prabowo’s visit to this superpower shows that Indonesia is increasingly taken into account in international affairs. Political analyst Ujang Komaruddin sees this visit as a step that makes Indonesian people proud.
“So, if we analyze and observe what Mr. Prabowo has done as the 8th President of Indonesia, it has impressed all Indonesian people. He has experience, good relations with many countries, and many world leaders,” Ujang stated.
Furthermore, Ujang assessed that President Prabowo’s intelligent, knowledgeable, and humble nature becomes an attraction in building international relations.
“President Prabowo has high intelligence, has a lot of knowledge, and is also very humble. These are testimonies given by Indonesian citizens in America when meeting with Mr. Prabowo. I see that what Mr. Prabowo has done has aroused a sense of pride for the Indonesian people,” Ujang continued.
From a diplomatic perspective, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid emphasized that these visits are concrete evidence of Indonesia’s role in the international world.
“The President emphasized this visit as a manifestation of Indonesia’s role in the international world. Requests for Indonesia to be present in bilateral and multilateral meetings show that Indonesia is highly respected and its role is awaited by the whole world,” Meutya explained.
Furthermore, the Minister added that Indonesia now plays a role as a bridge between developing and developed countries, in line with foreign policy that prioritizes good relations and strategic cooperation.
“Indonesia will play a role in bridging the interests of developing countries with developed countries. Of course, within the framework of good neighbor policy,” Meutya added.
President Prabowo’s visits to China and the US not only strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries but also have a positive impact on Indonesia’s economy and politics. Closer ties with China and the US will open up opportunities for progress in the trade and investment sectors, as well as strengthen Indonesia’s position in the Asia-Pacific region.