Indonesia President Prabowo Defends Frequent Overseas Trips as Diplomatic Strategy
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has defended his record of over 50 overseas trips to 29 countries in less than two years, saying they are necessary to maintain good relations and advance national interests. Critics have questioned whether the frequency aligns with diplomatic priorities and fiscal efficiency, noting his predecessor Jokowi made only 16 state visits in his first full year. Prabowo invoked Indonesia's longstanding non-alignment foreign policy, stating that maintaining relations with all countries—including both Russia and the United States—is essential to serving the people's interests.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has pushed back against criticism of his extensive travel schedule, which includes 54 documented overseas trips covering 29 countries since taking office less than two years ago. This far exceeds the travel records of his predecessors: Jokowi made 16 state visits and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono made 10 overseas trips in their respective first full years in office. Prabowo has visited some countries multiple times, including Malaysia five times, prompting questions about whether the frequency reflects genuine diplomatic priorities or represents inefficient spending. The president defended the trips as part of Indonesia's "free and active" foreign policy—a non-alignment doctrine established in 1948—and as economic diplomacy aimed at advancing national interests. He noted that his recent trip to France resulted in commercial deals worth US$3.5 billion, though the delegation's accommodation costs of approximately EUR281,640 for three nights also drew scrutiny. Prabowo emphasized that maintaining good relations with all countries, including both Russia and the United States, is necessary to serve Indonesia's people and prevent conflicts.
What's missing
The sources do not provide details on the specific nature of the criticism beyond references to concerns about fiscal efficiency and diplomatic priorities, nor do they include perspectives from opposition figures, fiscal watchdog organizations, or independent analysts who have questioned the trips' necessity or cost-effectiveness.
What different sources said
- CNACenter
‘One enemy is too many’: Indonesia President Prabowo hits back at criticism of overseas trips
- Channel NewsAsiaCenter
‘One enemy is too many’: Indonesia President Prabowo hits back at criticism on frequent overseas trips
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