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Analysis: Prabowo makes foreign policy inroads through overseas trips
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Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto waves toward journalists as President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (unseen) unveils his new Cabinet on the steps of Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Oct. 23. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
W
ith over two months still to go until his inauguration in October, president-elect Prabowo Subianto has nonetheless established good rapport with President Vladimir Putin, setting the tone for Indonesia-Russia bilateral ties during his Moscow visit early this month. During their meeting, Prabowo described Russia as a “great friend” and discussed the possibility of various cooperations.
Indonesia is moving closer to Russia on terms of global geopolitics, but whether this is coming at the expense of its ties with other countries, such as the United States or China, is something that will remain unknown until after his inauguration.
Since his victory in the 2024 presidential race was confirmed, Prabowo has already visited 10 countries: China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, France, Serbia, Turkey and Russia. Although these visits were made in his capacity as defense minister, they have also been billed as an introductory tour for Indonesia’s next head of state.
This was evident in the former Army general’s official welcome in these countries’ by their heads of state as well as defense ministers. While defense featured prominently in these meetings, they also discussed wider bilateral and geopolitical issues.
Conspicuously missing from his itinerary is the US, although this may be more to do with scheduling issues ahead of that country’s presidential election in November.
Another tricky question is whether Prabowo should meet with outgoing President Joe Biden or schedule his visit until after the winner of the November race is announced. In contrast, Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, whom Prabowo met in April, are both secure in their positions for the next few years.
Although Prabowo has pledged continuity as regards many of outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s policies, foreign policy might be one area where we can expect a major departure from his predecessor, if not in substance then definitely in style.
