Prabowo Subianto’s Bold Diplomatic Moves in China and the US

In just over three weeks into his presidency, Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto has been making waves on the international stage. His recent diplomatic tour to China and the United States has not only enhanced Indonesia’s global profile but also stirred a bit of controversy.

Engaging with Major Powers

As the world’s third-largest democracy and Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia aims to balance its ties with both China and the US. During his visit to China, which started from 8 to 10 November 2024, Prabowo met with prominent leaders, including President Xi Jinping. The two nations signed a maritime agreement worth US$10 billion and discussed vital social initiatives such as free meals for schoolchildren.

Controversy Over Maritime Agreement

  • During the joint statement with China, concerns arose over a phrase regarding “joint development in areas of overlapping claims” in the South China Sea.
  • Experts noted this contradicts Indonesia’s position as a non-claimant state and its stance on Chinese maritime claims, which are deemed unfounded under international law.

Despite Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifying its position—which states that China’s claims lack legal basis—questions linger about how this issue got included in the joint statement. Analysts suggest this might have been an oversight.

Transatlantic Diplomacy

Prabowo’s diplomatic tour continued as he headed to the US, where he met with President Joe Biden and other key figures like Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The US and Indonesia commemorated 75 years of diplomatic ties, discussing crucial topics like food security and energy cooperation.

A Differentiated Approach

Analysts have noted the stark contrast between Indonesia’s joint statement with China and that with the US. The latter explicitly references the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), highlighting Indonesia’s commitment to international law.

Both statements are pivotal in shaping Indonesia’s foreign policy direction under the new leadership. While a strong personal touch is evident in Prabowo’s approach, experts believe he would benefit from leveraging the experience of seasoned diplomats in Indonesia’s foreign ministry.

Looking Ahead

This whirlwind diplomatic effort marks only the beginning of Prabowo Subianto’s presidency. As Indonesia charts its course in global politics, observers are keenly watching how these agreements will be implemented and what long-term benefits they might yield for the nation’s geopolitical standing.