Prabowo Subianto, the president-elect of Indonesia for the 2024-2029 term, is poised to strengthen Indonesia’s global influence when he assumes office. The Straits Times, a leading media outlet in Singapore, recently published an article titled “Prabowo has big plans for Indonesia on the global stage”, highlighting the expectations of experts and citizens regarding Prabowo’s proactive foreign policy agenda.
The article emphasized Prabowo’s early efforts to establish himself as Indonesia’s de facto foreign minister even before officially taking office. Within seven months of winning the election, Prabowo has made diplomatic visits to more than 10 countries, including major global powers such as China, Japan, Russia, and Australia.
Citizens of Indonesia expressed optimism about Prabowo’s presidency, believing that he is focused on advancing Indonesia’s position in global diplomacy. Many anticipate that Prabowo’s international approach will improve communication between Indonesia and other nations, potentially enabling him to act as a mediator in conflict resolution.
Prabowo’s recent diplomatic engagements, both as the current Minister of Defense and the future president of Indonesia, demonstrate his strong commitment to international affairs. For example, his involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict, where he criticized Western nations, was highlighted during a humanitarian conference in Gaza in June 2024.
Furthermore, Prabowo made headlines by offering humanitarian assistance to Palestine, including evacuating patients from Gaza to Indonesia and providing educational opportunities to Palestinian children in East Java.
Julia Lau, a senior fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, mentioned that Prabowo is expected to take a more assertive role in shaping Indonesia’s foreign policy. However, she noted that he would need a competent Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement his ambitious vision effectively.
While there is optimism surrounding Prabowo’s presidency, The Straits Times article pointed out that the Indonesian public remains vigilant, hoping that he will fulfill his campaign promises and take concrete actions to address critics’ concerns.
As Prabowo prepares to assume office, there is anticipation regarding how he will position Indonesia on the global stage and navigate key geopolitical challenges to promote the nation’s interests in an increasingly interconnected world.
