If elected, he would for the most part continue the foreign policy of his predecessor President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, heavily leaning toward domestic prosperity as a way to establish a stronger global presence, Prabowo said.

On Monday, Prabowo addressed dozens of international diplomats, researchers and journalists at a discussion at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he outlined his foreign policy platform.

Prabowo began by saying that the ideal Indonesian foreign policy could be encapsulated in what is referred to as the “Good Neighbor Policy” which encompasses Jakarta’s commitment to be a non-aligned, free and active state.

He defined this neighbor policy as “a web of strong friendships between Indonesia and its neighbors”, saying that this would be the strongest pillar of Indonesia’s diplomacy. It would also appeal to the common denominator sought by all countries, he said, which is sufficient peace and stability to increase prosperity.

“A policy of good neighborliness in our region and in the world is in our strategic interest. Even our defense outlook would be based on this premise,” Prabowo said.

“This relationship web will invite foreign investments and markets, and create jobs for our people to eradicate poverty. [...] We will not join any bloc. We will not be part of any military alliance. That is against our traditions.”