Prabowo Compares Overseas Trips to Jokowi: Seldom Wrong, Often Called Strange

President Prabowo Subianto has responded to public criticism regarding the frequency of his state visits abroad, which some deem too frequent. In his statement, Prabowo noted a paradox in public assessment when compared to the administration of Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo.

While opening the XVIII National Deliberation (Munas) of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) in Bandar Lampung on Wednesday (10/06/2026), the President revealed that both himself and Jokowi have frequently been targets of criticism regarding the intensity of international travel.

“There was a President like Mr Jokowi who rarely went abroad, and he was blamed. ‘Jokowi never goes abroad, Jokowi does not care about foreign policy.’ Now, I go abroad frequently, and they say, ‘Prabowo goes abroad frequently,’ which is strange; in reality, there is no problem,” stated President Prabowo.

The President emphasised that every trip undertaken is part of an effort to maintain good relations with friendly nations. Amidst global dynamics filled with conflict, Prabowo stressed the importance of adhering to the legacy of an independent and active foreign policy.

According to him, Indonesia must remain in a non-aligned position and be friendly with all major world powers for the sake of national interests. He cited how Indonesia maintains a balance in its relationships with world leaders who are on opposing sides.

“A thousand friends are too few. One enemy is too many. This is the line I follow. Currently, I am on good terms with President Putin, and I am also on good terms with President Trump. Here I am blamed, there I am blamed. But there is no problem,” he asserted.

Furthermore, the Head of State explained that invitations from friendly nations are an honour that is difficult to refuse if one wishes to uphold the dignity of Indonesian diplomacy. He referred to this strategy as the “politics of being a good neighbour.”

President Prabowo stated that he would not hesitate to take diplomatic steps as long as they are believed to bring benefits to the nation. “To defend the interests of the people, we indeed must maintain good relations with all governments,” he concluded.