Indonesia’s Prabowo heads to China at start of multi-country trip
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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has signalled he is keen to play an active role on the international stage.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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JAKARTA - Indonesia’s new leader Prabowo Subianto set off for China on Nov 8 for his first international trip as president, kicking off a tour that will include stops in the US, Britain and South America for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) and G-20 summits.
Mr Prabowo, who won the presidency in February at his third attempt
“It shows that Indonesia is well respected and its presence is needed in bilateral and multilateral meetings to discuss important issues, not only the economy but also the current rising geopolitical tensions,” he told a press conference before flying to China. “I think all parties are waiting to hear about Indonesia’s stance and role.”
The former defence minister and special forces commander has said that under his presidency, Indonesia will continue its long-held foreign policy of non-alignment.
Mr Prabowo’s agenda for China is unclear, but he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping.
He is due to meet his US counterpart Joe Biden in Washington, and Mr Prabowo’s office has said it was possible he could meet President-elect Donald Trump
He will go to Britain to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and may also visit several countries in the Middle East, he said. His office has not provided dates for any of the visits.
The trip will include stops in Peru for the Apec summit and to Brazil for the summit of the G-20 major economies.
Mr Prabowo is expected to strengthen ties with both the US and China as Indonesia’s main partners, said Mr Prasetyo Hadi, the State Secretariat Minister, adding that he would discuss potential partnerships in trade, energy, housing and marine sectors. REUTERS
