Jakarta, Wartatambang.com — On April 24, the General Elections Commission (KPU) declared Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto as winners of the 2024 presidential election. Shortly after, Prabowo announced plans to visit leaders in the Middle East, following earlier trips to China, Japan, and Malaysia after the election results were finalized on March 20.

These diplomatic moves suggest that Prabowo aims to continue the legacy of harmonious international relationships built under the administration of President Joko Widodo and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin. Fredy Buhama Lumbang Tobing, an international relations professor from the University of Indonesia, emphasized that these visits serve as a platform for Prabowo to introduce himself as Indonesia’s incoming leader. They also signal a strategic effort to reassure both domestic and international audiences that Indonesia’s diplomatic continuity will be preserved during the power transition.

Prabowo’s efforts in diplomacy could also pave the way for reciprocal visits from leaders of partner countries to Indonesia. For example, Jordan may be among his future destinations, as King Abdullah II has already extended congratulations to Prabowo on his electoral victory. The Jordanian King’s warm message, shared in response to a post on Prabowo’s Instagram account, highlighted their long-standing acquaintance and reflected the positive diplomatic rapport between the two.

These pre-inauguration engagements underline Prabowo’s intent to uphold Indonesia’s “free and active” foreign policy, which prioritizes equal and harmonious relations with various nations. However, the ultimate goal of such diplomacy should remain focused on advancing Indonesia’s national interests and supporting its developmental agenda. To achieve this, the incoming administration will need to carefully prioritize diplomatic efforts to ensure they align with domestic needs.

Notably, Prabowo’s decision to visit China, Japan, and Malaysia highlights a clear focus on Asia as a priority in Indonesia’s foreign policy. Experts anticipate that diplomatic outreach to Europe and the United States will follow after Prabowo and Gibran’s official inauguration in October.

Fostering Asian Partnerships

One of the notable stops on Prabowo’s Asian tour was China, a longstanding and economically significant partner for Indonesia. Arfin Sudirman, an international relations expert at the University of Padjadjaran, viewed this visit as a reaffirmation of Indonesia’s commitment to sustaining its robust relationship with China. Given China’s position as one of the fastest-growing economies globally, Prabowo’s administration is expected to strengthen this partnership further.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has played a pivotal role in supporting Indonesia’s infrastructure development. It is anticipated that the new administration will continue to leverage the benefits of this initiative while navigating the complexities of cooperation with a major global power. Unlike the United States, which often ties economic partnerships to democratic values and human rights commitments, China’s approach has been less prescriptive, making it an appealing partner for many developing nations.

However, challenges remain. Prabowo and Gibran will need to address sensitive issues such as the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, China’s political influence in Myanmar, and the influx of Chinese workers in Indonesian mining projects. Additionally, concerns about the treatment of China’s Uighur minority could also influence bilateral relations.

Prabowo’s visit to Japan, another key Asian partner, further underscored his commitment to regional stability and economic collaboration. During his meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, Prabowo emphasized the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This aligns with Japan’s strategic interests, especially as it plans to host a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) office. Indonesia’s role as a potential peace broker between Japan and China could be instrumental in fostering regional cooperation while safeguarding its economic interests with both nations.

Malaysia, a close neighbor and ASEAN member, also featured prominently in Prabowo’s diplomatic efforts. During his visit, he met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin to discuss measures for strengthening bilateral relations. These discussions focused on enhancing economic ties, bolstering defense cooperation, and ensuring regional stability within Southeast Asia. At the same time, 

Prabowo will need to address long-standing issues, such as the protection of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, to ensure that bilateral relations remain mutually beneficial.

Strategic Implications for Indonesia’s Diplomacy

Prabowo’s diplomatic maneuvers ahead of his inauguration reflect a broader strategy to cement Indonesia’s position as a key player in regional and global affairs. His meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida, and Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim signal a desire to maintain and expand Indonesia’s partnerships with these influential nations. By prioritizing regional relationships, Prabowo is reinforcing Indonesia’s role as a leader in Southeast Asia and a bridge between larger powers.

The warm reception Prabowo received during these visits highlights the international community’s willingness to engage with Indonesia’s next administration. This positive response suggests that the transition from President Widodo’s leadership to Prabowo’s administration will be met with continuity rather than disruption in diplomatic relations.

At the same time, these diplomatic efforts are an opportunity for Prabowo to address pressing global and regional challenges. For instance, Indonesia’s engagement with China will require careful navigation of contentious issues such as territorial disputes and labor dynamics. Similarly, its role as a mediator between Japan and China could enhance Indonesia’s reputation as a stabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific region.

The focus on Asia does not preclude the importance of relations with other regions. Prabowo and Gibran’s administration is likely to extend its diplomatic outreach to Europe and the United States after their official inauguration. These efforts will aim to balance Indonesia’s relationships with Western powers while maintaining its commitment to non-alignment and sovereignty in foreign policy.

Domestic Implications of Diplomatic Priorities

While Prabowo’s diplomatic moves are primarily aimed at strengthening international ties, they also carry significant domestic implications. Maintaining robust economic partnerships with countries like China and Japan can support Indonesia’s development goals, particularly in infrastructure and defense. At the same time, addressing issues such as the protection of migrant workers in Malaysia reflects a commitment to safeguarding the interests of Indonesian citizens abroad.

The success of these diplomatic efforts will depend on the incoming administration’s ability to align international priorities with domestic needs. By establishing clear and reasonable priorities, Prabowo and Gibran can ensure that Indonesia’s foreign policy serves as a tool for national development rather than an end in itself.

Prabowo Subianto’s early diplomatic initiatives signal a proactive approach to positioning Indonesia as a key player in regional and global affairs. By prioritizing relationships within Asia and addressing both opportunities and challenges in bilateral ties, Prabowo and Gibran are laying the groundwork for a smooth transition of power and a continuation of Indonesia’s active foreign policy. (*)