Cabinet Secretary Teddy Reveals Seven Concrete Results from Prabowo's Foreign Visits
Jakarta — Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has firmly rejected characterisations of President Prabowo Subianto’s foreign visits as mere ceremonial grandstanding, responding to criticism from former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal regarding the frequency of presidential trips abroad.
“It would be a grave mistake to call these visits purely ceremonial grandstanding. We must examine what has been achieved over the past 1.5 years,” Teddy stated, according to the Cabinet Secretariat’s Instagram, on Monday evening.
Teddy outlined seven concrete outcomes from Prabowo’s foreign diplomatic missions. First, he cited Indonesia’s successful entry into the BRICS economic alliance. “What’s the benefit? Well, amid global conflict and crisis, the country’s security is assured. Fuel stocks are secure, subsidised fuel prices have not increased, and food stocks remain stable,” he explained.
Second, Teddy highlighted the completion of a trade agreement with the European Union after 11 years of negotiations. “Zero per cent tariffs with the EU, which comprises 25 countries. This agreement had been in negotiation for over a decade, but when was it achieved? During President Prabowo’s administration, specifically in 2025,” he stated.
Third, he cited total investments reaching Rp 2.43 quadrillion during Prabowo’s 1.5-year tenure, including investments secured during foreign visits to Japan and South Korea. “A concrete example from last month: when President Prabowo visited Japan and South Korea, he returned with approximately Rp 575 trillion in investment commitments,” Teddy noted.
Fourth, Teddy detailed defence cooperation agreements secured through the president’s foreign visits with France, the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and several other European nations.
Fifth, he highlighted a dedicated Indonesian residential complex for Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. “Indonesia is the only nation with a Hajj settlement in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia itself amended its legislation to allow a country to own land there for use by its Hajj pilgrims,” he said.
Sixth, Teddy emphasised Indonesia’s active role in supporting Palestine, noting that not all countries possess the diplomatic capacity to provide logistical assistance as Indonesia does. “We have conducted several airdrops of supplies. Not every country can do this because aircraft must have flight clearance over multiple nations’ airspace. Additionally, we have sent a hospital ship to Palestine and have enrolled Palestinian children in Indonesian universities,” he explained.
Seventh, Teddy referenced the diplomatic release of Indonesian nationals detained by Israel in international waters. “Through diplomacy conducted by the Foreign Ministry, we managed to secure the release of these Indonesian citizens within just a few days,” he stated.
Teddy also clarified that meetings between President Prabowo and other world leaders at events or forums are arranged based on recommendations from the Foreign Minister, prioritising strategic engagement. Such meetings may be conducted directly, via telephone, publicly, or privately.
“I believe all accomplished diplomats understand this. It seems inappropriate to continue questioning these arrangements. We welcome constructive input, but we should not obscure the facts regarding all the achievements we have realised,” Teddy concluded.