President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia will undertake his first foreign tour in November, visiting China and the United States, with additional stops in Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. This journey reflects his goal of amplifying Indonesia’s global presence while maintaining a non-aligned foreign policy.
Prabowo Subianto, the newly elected President of Indonesia, is scheduled to embark on his inaugural foreign tour next month, visiting China and the United States, according to reports from local media. The former general, who was sworn in on October 20, aims to elevate Indonesia’s global presence while adhering to a non-aligned foreign policy. His planned itinerary includes significant stops in Beijing and Washington, following an announcement by the newspaper Kompas, which cited sources from the presidential palace. On November 8, Mr. Prabowo will visit China to engage with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang. This will precede his visit to Washington, where he is expected to meet U.S. President Joe Biden. Notably, his visit to the U.S. will occur shortly after the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for November 5, involving Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Following his discussions in Beijing and Washington, Mr. Prabowo will continue his tour with a visit to Peru to meet President Dina Boluarte and attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima. Subsequently, he will participate in the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, culminating in a meeting in the United Kingdom with King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. As stated by Hasan Nasbi, a spokesman for the presidential palace, “I cannot confirm his visits yet.” The Indonesian foreign ministry has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the planned diplomatic engagements. The core focus of Mr. Prabowo’s discussions during these visits is expected to center on enhancing cooperation and improving the welfare of the nations involved, as reported by Kompas. Since his electoral victory in February, Mr. Prabowo has demonstrated a commitment to a more active foreign policy, contrasting with the domestic-focused approach of his predecessor, Joko Widodo.
The proposed foreign tour of President Prabowo Subianto marks a significant shift in Indonesia’s approach to international relations. As the world’s fourth-most populous country, Indonesia holds considerable geopolitical weight, and Prabowo’s plan to seek robust partnerships with major powers like China and the United States demonstrates a strategic effort to enhance Indonesia’s influence on the global stage. This tour comes in the context of Prabowo’s promise to pursue a non-aligned policy while actively engaging in international diplomacy, fostering relationships that seek to bolster national interests and welfare.
In summary, President Prabowo Subianto is set to commence his first international visit, emphasizing Indonesia’s ambition to take a more prominent role on the world stage. By engaging with influential global leaders, he aims to enhance cooperation for the prosperity of the nations involved, a significant departure from the previous administration’s focus on domestic matters. This tour not only signifies Indonesia’s intentions but also heralds a new chapter in its foreign policy endeavors.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
