What does Indonesia President Prabowo’s maiden visit to China and US tell us about his approach to diplomacy?

15 November 2024

Less than a month into his presidency, Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto has made international headlines on his first tour abroad. Currently at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Peru, his done-and-dusted visits to China and the United States have generated extensive coverage for both the right and wrong reasons. “Mr Prabowo seems to be a one-man show person when it comes to foreign politics,” observed Associate Professor Dinna Prapto Raharja, executive director of Jakarta-based think tank Synergy Policies, which focuses on political, social and economic sciences. Assoc Prof Dinna questioned the role the foreign ministry will play under Mr Prabowo, especially since Foreign Minister Sugiono, who goes by one name, is a former member of the army’s special forces and deputy chairperson of Mr Prabowo’s Gerindra party with no prior official diplomatic experience. Read more: Kiki Siregar. 2024. What does Indonesia President Prabowo’s maiden visit to China and US tell us about his approach to diplomacy?. CNA 15 November 2024. See https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-prabowo-first-foreign-overseas-trip-china-us-4749971