Prabowo Claims Criticism for Frequent Overseas Trips: For Oil, I Have to Go Everywhere

Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has admitted to facing criticism for his frequent state visits abroad, particularly amid the global economic crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East. Prabowo explained that these trips are aimed at securing energy sources, including crude oil. He made these remarks during a briefing at the Government Working Meeting (Raker) at the Presidential Palace Complex in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. “They say Prabowo is just travelling abroad, enjoying trips overseas. Brothers, to secure oil, I have to go everywhere,” Prabowo stated. The Head of State added that he received support from the Japanese government to enhance energy production in Indonesia. Similar steps are planned with other countries to ensure domestic energy resilience. “We went to Japan recently, and we got it. Now I’m heading out again to another country. You’ll know where once I go—it’s also to secure supplies,” Prabowo said. “So I’m confident; there’s no such thing as Indonesia going dark. Indonesia is bright while many countries are struggling,” he continued. It is known that President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has completed state visits to Japan and South Korea. These visits resulted in concrete achievements in the form of significant business cooperation commitments. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that the total value of business agreements secured from both countries reached USD 33.89 billion, equivalent to Rp575 trillion. “From Japan, the business commitments recorded are USD 23.63 billion or equivalent to Rp401.7 trillion, while from the Republic of Korea, it reaches USD 10.26 billion or equivalent to Rp174 trillion. Thus, the overall total is USD 33.89 billion or around Rp575 trillion,” said Cabinet Secretary Teddy on Thursday, 2 April 2026. According to him, these achievements demonstrate the high level of global investor confidence in the direction of Indonesia’s economic policies under President Prabowo’s leadership, particularly in promoting industrial downstreaming, strengthening energy resilience, and developing strategic national sectors. Furthermore, the Cabinet Secretary emphasised that President Prabowo’s direct involvement in dialogues with business actors was a key factor in realising these agreements.