Overseas Visits Reflect Indonesia's Foreign Policy: President Prabowo

Jakarta: President Prabowo Subianto defended his frequent overseas trips on Wednesday, saying they are part of efforts to maintain good relations with partner countries and reflect Indonesia's free and active foreign policy.

Speaking at the 18th National Congress of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) in Bandar Lampung, Lampung, Prabowo said both he and former president Joko Widodo had faced criticism for their overseas travel.

"There was a president like Mr. Jokowi who rarely traveled abroad and was criticized. People said Jokowi never went overseas and did not care about foreign policy. Now I travel abroad frequently and people criticize me for that too. Actually, there is no problem," he said, referring to Joko Widodo.

Prabowo said Indonesia is fortunate to inherit the principle of a free and active foreign policy from the nation's founders, especially at a time when global conflicts and strained international relations are affecting many regions.

According to the president, the principle is reflected in Indonesia's commitment to remaining non-aligned and maintaining friendly relations with all countries.

"A thousand friends are too few. One enemy is too many. This is the path I choose. I have good relations with President Putin, and I also have good relations with President Trump," he said as quoted from Antara, Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

Prabowo added that it would be difficult for him to decline invitations from partner countries given Indonesia's long-standing foreign policy principles. He stressed that he would continue taking steps that he believes serve the interests of the Indonesian people despite criticism.

"To defend the interests of our people, we must maintain good relations with all governments. That is why I say Indonesia's policy is a good-neighbor policy," he said.

According to Prabowo, a good-neighbor policy ensures that Indonesia maintains positive relations with neighboring countries and with nations in other parts of the world.