Cabinet Secretary Teddy Clarifies on President Prabowo's Frequent Foreign Travels

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Teddy Indra Wijaya responded to criticism from former Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal regarding the high frequency of President Prabowo Subianto’s foreign trips since taking office.

Teddy acknowledged Dino as a skilled diplomat, stating the government values his input.

“Firstly, thank you for the feedback provided,” Teddy said via the Cabinet Secretariat’s Instagram account @sekretariat.kabinet, cited on Monday, June 1, 2026.

“Very meticulous and structured. I think he is an excellent diplomat. He served as deputy foreign minister, albeit for only about three months,” he added.

Teddy also addressed concerns over the cost of Prabowo’s foreign trips, stating they are fully covered by the President’s personal funds.

“Firstly, regarding overseas travel costs. This has been explained multiple times. Any excess budget allocated by the state is entirely covered by President Prabowo personally,” he clarified.

Regarding the size of the presidential delegation, he noted it has significantly decreased from previous administrations, now at 50-60 people compared to up to 120 before.

“Secondly, the delegation size. This is crucial. President Prabowo’s delegation has been drastically reduced—more than halved from the previous period. Previously, during Dino’s time, it could exceed 120 people. Now, under President Prabowo, it’s capped at 50-60,” he explained.

On the scheduling of trips, Teddy said it’s based on dynamic global conditions.

“Thirdly, the schedule must be set a year in advance. The global situation is highly dynamic, day by day. There are annual schedules and urgent ones based on domestic and international needs,” Teddy said.

Regarding protocol and frequent trips, he explained that Prabowo assumed office during global uncertainty, necessitating closer ties with world leaders.

“Regarding protocol and the frequency of foreign trips over the past year and a half. President Prabowo took office when the world was in crisis. Previously, there were conflicts in Ukraine, Venezuela, and now in Iran and the Middle East, involving Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, and others. Leaders must build close relationships; we can’t wait until a crisis to seek help. We must cultivate good relations so that when emergencies arise, assistance can be sought—and vice versa,” he said.

Teddy stressed that such diplomacy requires personal and emotional connections between leaders, whether public or private, and rejected claims that the trips are merely ceremonial.

“For this, personal and emotional bonds between leaders are essential—whether through direct meetings, media coverage, or closed-door talks. That is diplomacy. It’s a mistake to say it’s just showmanship,” he stressed.

On economic benefits, Teddy cited achievements from Prabowo’s foreign trips, including Indonesia’s BRICS membership, stable fuel prices, and EU tariff agreements.

“We must look at what has been achieved in the past year and a half. First, Indonesia joined BRICS,” he said.

“What are the benefits? Amid global crises, the country’s stability is assured. Fuel stocks are secure, subsidized fuel prices haven’t risen, and food supplies are stable. Second, 0% tariffs in the European Union—25 countries involved—which was a deal negotiated for over a decade but only realised under President Prabowo in 2025,” he added.

He also mentioned foreign investments totaling IDR 2.430 trillion and specific deals, like the Rp575 trillion investment from Japan and South Korea.

“Total investments in the past year and a half amount to around IDR 2.430 trillion, according to the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) data. Another concrete example: last month, President Prabowo visited Japan and South Korea, leading to immediate investments of around Rp575 trillion. We now have strong defence equipment from multiple countries including France, the US, Russia, China, the UK, and Europe,” he said.

Regarding Hajj arrangements for 2026, Teddy noted smoother operations compared to previous years.

“The Hajj pilgrimage this year has been smooth, with minimal issues. Indonesia is the only country with a Hajj settlement in Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi government amended its laws to allow foreign nations to own land there for pilgrims,” he said.

On Palestine, Teddy highlighted diplomatic efforts leading to aid delivery.

“President Prabowo has been actively involved in Palestine. Proof? First, airdrops of logistics—something not all countries can do, requiring diplomatic agreements with airspace countries. Second, we’ve sent a hospital ship to Palestine and are educating Palestinian children in Indonesian universities,” he added.