Success of President Prabowo Subianto’s Foreign Visits Enhances Bilateral Cooperation and National Pride
Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto conducted a two-week foreign visit to several countries, including two world powers, China and the United States, from November 8 to 23, 2024. This visit received appreciation from various parties, not only from the countries visited but also from Indonesian citizens who view Prabowo’s diplomatic steps as an effort to strengthen Indonesia’s international relations.
In China, President Prabowo held a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing. Xi warmly welcomed Prabowo, expressing appreciation for Prabowo’s first visit to China as president. “Shortly after your official inauguration, you made your first state visit to China. This reflects the importance you place on China-Indonesia relations,” Xi said during the meeting. The visit resulted in an investment commitment from China worth USD 10.7 billion (approximately IDR 157 trillion) aimed at various sectors, including food and energy security.
After his visit to China, President Prabowo continued his tour to the United States, where he met President Joe Biden at the White House, Washington DC. This meeting discussed strengthening bilateral relations and global issues such as the situation in Gaza and the South China Sea. Biden expressed his pride in the strong partnership between the two countries. “Over 75 years of diplomatic relations with Indonesia and the US, we have built the strongest partnership ever,” Biden said in his official statement.
Political analyst Ujang Komaruddin assessed that Prabowo’s visits to China and the United States brought a sense of pride to the Indonesian people. According to Ujang, the diplomatic steps taken by Prabowo not only demonstrate strong relationships with various countries but also prove his leadership capacity in the eyes of the world.
“These working visits have aroused a sense of pride among the Indonesian people. We can see the enthusiasm and pride of the community, both at home and abroad. Mr. Prabowo has shown himself to be a leader who can establish good relations with many countries,” said Ujang.
Through these visits, Prabowo conveyed his commitment to strengthening inter-country collaboration. After his meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Prabowo emphasized the importance of productive and mutually respectful cooperation, rather than confrontation. “We respect all powers, but we will defend our sovereignty. However, I always choose to seek opportunities for cooperation,” Prabowo said.
With a series of visits that brought many positive results, Prabowo Subianto’s leadership is expected to continue strengthening Indonesia’s position on the international stage and provide tangible benefits for the Indonesian people.
