By Maria Rina Santoso, South East Asia Correspondent
In the whirlwind of his first 100 days as Indonesia’s president, Prabowo Subianto has launched an assertive diplomatic offensive, undertaking a series of high-profile state visits that underscore his vision of a self-assured nation on the global stage. This flurry of international engagement, from Beijing to Brasília, marks a departure from his predecessor’s style, potentially reshaping Indonesia’s foreign policy amid complex geopolitical currents.
Analysts suggest that Prabowo’s approach signals a blend of nationalism and pragmatism, aimed at elevating Indonesia’s stature as a key player in global affairs. However, as he navigates alliances and disputes, questions linger about the long-term implications for regional stability and economic ties, particularly in sensitive areas like the South China Sea. 
Prabowo’s Early Diplomatic Surge
Since his inauguration in October 2024, Prabowo Subianto has wasted no time in projecting Indonesia’s influence abroad. Over the past three months, the former army general has embarked on at least 10 state visits, traversing continents to reaffirm Jakarta’s commitments and pursue new opportunities. His itinerary has included stops in major powers such as China, the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and India, with earlier trips extending to parts of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East even before he officially took office.
This proactive stance contrasts sharply with the tenure of his predecessor, Joko Widodo, who focused primarily on domestic consolidation and economic diplomacy. Prabowo, however, appears to relish the international spotlight, using these visits to promote Indonesia’s economic interests while emphasising a nationalist ethos. As international relations expert Dafri Agussalim from Gadjah Mada University noted in recent discussions, “Prabowo is intuitively at ease on the global stage, marking a clear evolution from the previous administration’s more measured approach.”
One notable early move was Prabowo’s meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur on 9 January 2025. The encounter, captured in images of the two leaders at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, focused on bilateral and regional issues, including trade and security cooperation in Southeast Asia. Such interactions highlight Prabowo’s intent to strengthen ties with immediate neighbours while broadening Indonesia’s network.
A Shift Towards Multipolar Alliances
Prabowo’s foreign policy has been characterised by bold decisions that reflect his geopolitical inclinations. A prime example is Indonesia’s decision to join the BRICS economic grouping as a full member, announced by Brazil in early January 2025. This step, overseen by Prabowo’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Sugiono—a key ally from his Gerindra Party—represents a significant pivot. Sugiono’s first assignment, attending a BRICS summit in Russia shortly after his appointment, set the tone for this engagement.
The move has sparked debate about its potential impact on Indonesia’s relations with traditional partners, particularly the United States, especially under the renewed leadership of President Donald Trump. While some observers have raised concerns that this could strain ties, Indonesian officials have consistently framed the decision as economically driven and aligned with the country’s longstanding “free and active” foreign policy doctrine. The Foreign Ministry has emphasised that BRICS membership offers opportunities for enhanced cooperation with the Global South, without necessarily alienating Western allies.
In his inaugural address as foreign minister, Sugiono outlined a vision for “anticipatory, progressive, and visionary” diplomacy, positioning Indonesia as a “great nation” on the world stage. This rhetoric echoes Prabowo’s own nationalist ideology, which prioritises self-sufficiency and respect for Indonesia’s resource wealth. Experts like Yose Rizal Damuri from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta argue that while this approach shares economic roots with Widodo’s policies, it is infused with a more assertive geopolitical edge.
Navigating Geopolitical Tensions: The South China Sea Dilemma
Perhaps the most contentious aspect of Prabowo’s early diplomacy has been his handling of the South China Sea issue. During a November 2024 meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Prabowo agreed to a joint statement on joint development in disputed areas of the sea. This decision initially triggered diplomatic ripples, as Indonesia has long maintained a non-claimant stance to the disputed waters, focusing instead on its exclusive economic zone.
The agreement, which some interpreted as an implicit nod to China’s claims, prompted Jakarta to issue clarifying statements reaffirming its sovereign position. Damuri suggests that Prabowo’s strategy may involve leveraging natural resources for economic gains while engaging Beijing, but he cautions that it could complicate Indonesia’s relations with other regional players, such as the Philippines and Vietnam. “If this approach leads to economic benefits, it might strengthen Indonesia’s bargaining power,” Damuri said, “but it requires greater sensitivity to avoid unintended escalations.”
This episode exemplifies the challenges of Prabowo’s “visionary” diplomacy. While his actions aim to position Indonesia as a respected and networked player, they risk drawing the country into broader rivalries. Analysts warn that, if not managed carefully, such moves could affect trade flows or even security dynamics in Southeast Asia, a region already fraught with tensions.
Economic Motivations and Nationalistic Undertones
At the core of Prabowo’s foreign policy lies a commitment to economic advancement, rooted in his campaign promises to boost the national economy and eradicate hunger. His international travels have been strategically used to secure investments and partnerships, aligning with Indonesia’s resource-rich status. For instance, discussions with leaders in the UAE and India have focused on energy cooperation and infrastructure deals, potentially unlocking billions in foreign investment.
Yet, Prabowo’s nationalism sets him apart from his predecessor. Where Widodo measured success through trade metrics, Prabowo emphasises Indonesia’s self-sufficiency and global respect. This ideology has led to eyebrow-raising decisions, such as the BRICS membership, which could diversify economic alliances but might also invite scrutiny from investors wary of geopolitical risks.
Experts like Agussalim point out that Prabowo’s intuitive style—often bypassing traditional bureaucratic channels—could accelerate decision-making but may overlook institutional expertise. “The Foreign Ministry is facilitating his vision, but there’s a risk of Indonesia acting as a solo player,” he observed. To mitigate this, calls have grown for Prabowo to integrate professional advice more deeply, ensuring that economic pursuits do not compromise strategic interests.
Implications for Indonesia’s Future Role
As Prabowo continues his international engagements in 2025, the trajectory of his foreign policy will likely shape Indonesia’s role in a multipolar world. His approach, blending economic pragmatism with nationalist fervour, could position the country as a bridge between East and West, or it might exacerbate existing fault lines. For instance, if BRICS integration yields tangible economic benefits, such as increased access to emerging markets, it could enhance Indonesia’s influence. Conversely, missteps in areas like the South China Sea might strain alliances and invite international criticism.
The broader context of Southeast Asia, with its diverse political landscapes, adds layers of complexity. Indonesia, as the region’s largest economy, holds significant sway, but maintaining neutrality in disputes requires deft navigation. Prabowo’s early moves suggest a willingness to take risks, yet they also highlight the need for balanced analysis. As Damuri noted, “Economic gains are vital, but they must be weighed against geopolitical realities to ensure long-term stability.”
In essence, Prabowo Subianto’s diplomatic blitz represents a pivotal moment for Indonesia. By asserting a more prominent global presence, he is redefining the nation’s foreign policy, but the outcomes remain uncertain. If his strategies foster inclusive growth and regional harmony, they could solidify Indonesia’s status as a key Asian power. However, should tensions escalate, it may necessitate adjustments to avoid alienating partners.
This evolving narrative underscores the delicate balance between ambition and caution in international relations, a theme that will undoubtedly dominate discussions in Jakarta and beyond as 2025 unfolds.
