Prabowo Criticised for Frequent Overseas Trips; Teddy: Indonesia is Reaping the Benefits of Good Relations Amid Global Turmoil

The Presidential Palace has refuted claims that the frequency of President Prabowo Subianto’s overseas visits over the past year and a half has been merely ceremonial. Amid rising global geopolitical tensions, the President’s travels are described as a diplomatic investment aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s position and building strategic networks with world leaders.

Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya emphasised that President Prabowo began his term at a time of global uncertainty due to various evolving international conflicts. Through an official statement, Teddy explained that current global conditions demand that every head of state actively build communication and personal relationships with world leaders.

“Regarding the protocol and frequency of overseas trips over the last year and a half, President Prabowo is a new President taking office while the world is in crisis. Previously, there were conflicts in Ukraine and Venezuela, and now there are tensions in Iran and the Middle East, involving Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and others,” said Teddy, as reported on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.

According to Teddy, diplomacy cannot be built abruptly when a country is facing an emergency. Strong relationships, he noted, must be established long before a crisis occurs so they can serve as political and diplomatic capital when needed.

“Every leader must build close relationships with other world leaders. We cannot simply rely on asking for help only when a crisis arises,” he stated.

He emphasised that good international relations are strategic assets that must be consistently maintained. Such relationships are believed to serve as bridges for cooperation when urgent issues arise that require international support.

“We must reap the benefits of these good relations. So that if an urgent situation arises, we can seek assistance, and vice versa,” he explained.

In his explanation, Teddy also highlighted that modern diplomacy does not only take place in official negotiating rooms. Personal and emotional closeness between world leaders is considered a vital factor in building trust and strengthening cooperation between nations.