President Prabowo’s Visits to US and China Strengthen Global Relations, Gain Public Appreciation
Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto conducted foreign visits that attracted public attention and gained widespread appreciation. During his visits to two major countries, China and the United States, President Prabowo met directly with President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden to strengthen cooperation in various fields, including economy, security, health, and education.
Political analyst Ujang Komaruddin stated that President Prabowo’s visits have evoked a sense of pride among the Indonesian people.
“When we analyze and observe what Mr. Prabowo has done as the 8th President of Indonesia, it has impressed all Indonesian people. He has experience and good relations with many countries and world leaders,” said Ujang.
Ujang Komaruddin revealed that Prabowo’s aspirational, communicative, and open leadership has sparked a new pride for the Indonesian people.
“President Prabowo has intelligence, extensive knowledge, and is also very humble. These are testimonies given by Indonesian citizens abroad when meeting Mr. Prabowo,” Ujang explained.
Prabowo first visited China, where he was warmly welcomed by President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Xi Jinping appreciated Prabowo’s decision to make China the first country visited post-inauguration, stating that the visit reflected the importance of China-Indonesia relations.
Xi Jinping also affirmed China’s commitment to continue supporting President Prabowo’s leadership and readiness to establish close cooperation in various strategic fields.
The visit yielded significant results, including the signing of an investment agreement between Indonesia and China worth USD 10.7 billion or equivalent to IDR 157 trillion. This investment covers the sectors of food security, energy security, and downstream industries, which are expected to strengthen Indonesia’s economic growth.
“The signed agreement is worth 10 billion US dollars,” said President Prabowo.
He expressed appreciation for China’s support and stated that the Indonesian government welcomes this investment by providing a conducive business climate.
Additionally, President Prabowo also succeeded in obtaining China’s support for a free nutritious lunch program targeted at school students in Indonesia.
President Prabowo and President Xi Jinping directly witnessed the signing of the MoU Project Funding Agreement related to this program, which is part of efforts to improve the nutrition of Indonesian children.
After completing his visit to China, President Prabowo continued his working visit to the United States and met with President Joe Biden at the White House, Washington DC, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
In the bilateral meeting, both leaders discussed various global issues and strategic cooperation between Indonesia and the United States, including challenges in Gaza and the South China Sea. President Prabowo also appreciated the warm welcome from Biden and expressed deep respect.
Biden assessed that the diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the US, which have been established for 75 years, are now at their strongest point.
“75 years of diplomatic relations with Indonesia and the US. I’m proud that the partnership between our countries is the strongest it has ever been,” said Biden.
Both agreed to expand military cooperation, particularly in the Super Garuda Shield exercise, which has now evolved into a multinational exercise with more than 4,000 personnel from 23 countries.
They also discussed strengthening health security, including programs for preventing infectious diseases and zoonoses in Indonesia. Through USAID support, Indonesia’s early warning system has been expanded to 38 provinces. This program also includes tuberculosis detection in more than 250 hospitals, reaching over four million people.
Another agreement includes United States support for Indonesia’s nutritious lunch program for students, which aligns with a similar program implemented in the US. This support was outlined in a joint statement after the meeting between the two country leaders at the White House.
“President Biden also expressed his support for Indonesia’s national program to provide nutritious and healthy food for school children and pregnant women,” explained the Joint Statement uploaded on the White House official website.
During his two-week visit, President Prabowo is considered to have brought Indonesia to be more reckoned with on the international stage, in line with his vision to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a country with regional and global influence.
