As Jakarta anticipates the inauguration of President-elect Prabowo Subianto in October, signs point to a forthcoming assertiveness in foreign policy. Emphasizing the efficacy of diplomacy, negotiations, and the “Asian way,” Subianto aims to diffuse tensions on the international stage.
Prabowo, aged 72, secured a significant victory in February’s general election alongside his running mate Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of outgoing President Joko Widodo.
During an interview broadcast on Sunday (May 13) with Qatar’s Al Jazeera news channel, Prabowo Subianto underscored Southeast Asia’s tumultuous history marked by wars, foreign colonization, and meddling in internal politics.
But in a notable addition, he emphasized, “We solved it without foreign interference, we talked, we met.” This statement underscores his belief in regional diplomacy and dialogue as effective means to address conflicts and maintain stability. His remarks were prompted by a question regarding the significance of the term “Asian Way.”
“We invite the US, the Japanese, the Koreans, the Europeans. The fact that we are friends with you doesn’t mean we can’t be friends with China, India, Russia,” he added, invoking Indonesia’s tradition and history of non-alignment. This stance reflects Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining friendly relations with various global powers while upholding its independence and neutrality.
At a regional forum last November, Prabowo reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to its policy of non-alignment, affirming its dedication to maintaining strong ties with both China and the United States.
In April, he embarked on his first foreign trip since winning the presidential election, visiting China, Japan, and Malaysia.
During the interview, he refuted claims of democratic backsliding, asserting that Indonesia had experienced years of peaceful government transitions. However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including widespread corruption, that needed to be addressed.
