Gerindra Spokesperson Explains Purpose of President's Visit to Paris, Vienna, and Budapest

Gerindra spokesperson Sugiat Santoso has dismissed claims that the President’s foreign trips constitute budget waste, calling such views partial and one-sided. He explained that the President’s visits are a strategic move to strengthen diplomatic ties with friendly nations, leveraging Indonesia’s nickel commodity advantages and geopolitical position on the global stage. “Indonesia is not merely visiting. President Prabowo is converting our nickel commodity advantages and geopolitical position into tangible investments and security safeguards before global opportunities close,” Sugiat said. He stated that President Prabowo is not engaged in ceremonial diplomacy or mere paper signings. Sugiat emphasised that Prabowo is competing on the global stage to elevate Indonesia from a developing nation to an economically independent and militarily resilient global power. “Indonesia is led by a patriot who precisely knows how to secure national interests abroad. Judging the success of international diplomacy based on results within weeks or months is illogical,” he said. After meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Prabowo will continue his trip to Austria and Hungary. Sugiat explained that the commitments, technology transfers, and investments secured in Paris, Vienna, and Budapest are long-term foundations whose tangible results will only become apparent in years to come. “President Prabowo is a statesman. A statesman gives what he can to the nation, while a politician seeks what he can gain from it,” he said. Additionally, Sugiat noted that Prabowo’s foreign policy paradigm of active and free diplomacy adopts an offensive diplomatic strategy. This is a proactive approach to building foreign relations in pursuit of national interests. He explained that offensive diplomacy is used to respond to and anticipate crises. In other words, Sugiat said, Prabowo takes the initiative to set agendas, forge alliances, and apply strategic pressure to ensure negotiations align with their objectives. “Prabowo acts ahead of being dictated by other nations. He takes a firm stance on asserting sovereignty, political positions, and protecting citizens in a measured manner,” he said. The Deputy Chair of Commission XIII of the DPR noted that the late May 2026 visits to France, Austria, and Hungary are strategically vital for Indonesia. Sugiat revealed that France possesses the strongest military and technological capabilities in Western Europe and does not sell advanced weaponry systems or offer strategic commitments solely based on a buyer’s financial capacity.