Gerindra Spokesperson Responds to Dino Patti Djalal's Criticism: 'Presidential Diplomacy Cannot Be Replaced by Zoom'

Gerindra Party spokesperson Bahtra Banong stated that Dino Patti Djalal’s criticism regarding the frequency of President Prabowo Subianto’s foreign visits is part of a healthy democratic tradition and should be respected. He added that the perspective of a senior diplomat like Dino provides valuable input to enrich public understanding of Indonesia’s foreign policy. However, presidential diplomacy cannot be reduced to mere Zoom or telephone communication.

‘I respect Mr Dino’s criticism as part of a healthy democracy, but I disagree that presidential diplomacy can be reduced to Zoom and telephone calls,’ Bahtra said in Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026.

In international relations, Bahtra continued, diplomacy is not merely about exchanging information but involves building strategic trust, strengthening a nation’s bargaining position, opening up cooperation opportunities, and resolving critical negotiations that often require face-to-face meetings between leaders.

‘Presidential diplomacy is not the same as a virtual meeting. Many strategic decisions in investment, trade, defence, energy, and international cooperation emerge from direct communication that builds trust and political commitment between leaders,’ Bahtra said.

The Deputy Chairman of DPR Commission II reminded that the President’s foreign visits are not merely individual travels. Bahtra stressed that during every state visit, the President carries a national mission with a delegation comprising various ministries, agencies, strategic state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and national business actors including Kadin.

Behind the official agenda, numerous business meetings, investment explorations, market access openings, and technology and industry cooperation discussions take place in parallel to advance Indonesia’s interests, including creating new jobs.

‘Therefore, the benefits of the President’s visits must be viewed holistically, not merely by the number of days spent abroad,’ he added.

Bahtra cited the recent visit to France, which yielded concrete outcomes including commercial agreements worth approximately US$3.5 billion, or over Rp61 trillion, in the energy, trade, and defence sectors. Additionally, a high-level business forum was established to connect Indonesian and French entrepreneurs to strengthen long-term investment and economic cooperation.

‘These facts prove that the President’s visits are not merely ceremonial or symbolic. There are tangible economic benefits, open investment opportunities, strategic partnerships formed, all directly impacting national economic growth,’ Bahtra said.

Regarding the cost of the President’s foreign trips, Bahtra acknowledged the public’s right to demand transparency and accountability. However, he argued that an objective measure should not only consider the expenditure but also the benefits gained by the nation.

‘What should concern us is not how often the President travels abroad, but the extent of benefits brought back for the Indonesian people,’ Bahtra explained.

If a single visit generates tens of trillions of rupiah in investment, expands export markets, strengthens energy security, and enhances Indonesia’s global standing, then such trips should be considered strategic investments for the nation’s future.

‘As long as these visits yield investment, job creation, strategic partnerships, and strengthen Indonesia’s global position, they are legitimate national investments worthy of support,’ Bahtra concluded.