Prabowo & Indonesia’s Middle Power Ambitions

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has secured over $112 billion in investment pledges during his first year in office, but former ambassadors are suggesting he needs more experienced diplomatic support to realize those commitments.

Prabowo’s Foreign Policy Approach Under Scrutiny

Yuddy Chrisnandi, former Indonesian ambassador to Ukraine, wrote in an opinion piece for Kompas newspaper on Oct. 21 that Prabowo, acting as the “real foreign minister,” requires support from seasoned diplomats to effectively shape international agendas.

“The president needs to be supported … by experienced individuals with proven track records in leading diplomatic missions, so they can serve as dynamic counterparts in jointly formulating international diplomatic agendas with the president,” Chrisnandi, also a professor of political science at National University in Jakarta, wrote.

Dino Patti Djalal, a former Indonesian ambassador to the United States, expressed concern that Sugiono, the current foreign ministry official, is prioritizing his role as secretary general of the Gerindra party – co-founded and chaired by Prabowo – over leading the country’s diplomatic efforts.

“The Foreign Ministry is like a Ferrari — full of extraordinarily talented diplomats. But a Ferrari can only perform at its best if it is driven by a skilled and focused driver,” Djalal said in an Instagram post on Dec. 21.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Yvonne acknowledged the criticisms, stating the ministry “respects these constructive inputs and consistently opens its doors to different points of view.”

Experts have noted that Prabowo’s direct leadership style and limited consultation with experienced diplomats have occasionally led to positions that diverge from established Indonesian foreign policy, and have resulted in some ambiguous statements.

In November 2024, following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prabowo announced an agreement between Indonesia and China to jointly develop the maritime economy in areas of the South China Sea where their claims overlap.

While Indonesia does not claim any part of the South China Sea, China’s “nine-dash line” overlaps with Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone around the Natuna archipelago in Riau Islands province.