Prabowo Denies Overseas Trips Are Joyrides: I'm Chasing Oil

The government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable options.

President Prabowo Subianto has dismissed the notion that his series of overseas visits are merely for ceremonial purposes or enjoyment. He emphasised that these trips are conducted for one strategic interest: securing oil supplies for Indonesia amid global energy pressures.

Prabowo made this statement while delivering briefings at the Red and White Cabinet Working Meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4). In front of his cabinet members, he sarcastically addressed accusations that he travels abroad too often.

“They’re saying Prabowo is just sightseeing abroad, likes going overseas. To secure oil, yes, I have to go everywhere. To Japan, we got it,” Prabowo said.

He stressed that such efforts will not stop. In the near future, Prabowo said he is scheduled to fly abroad again to continue securing national energy supplies.

“I’m going to depart again to a certain country. Once I leave, you’ll know where, to secure it too,” he said.

According to Prabowo, this aggressive approach is necessary because the global energy situation is under serious pressure, particularly in the crude oil sector. This condition is triggered by disruptions in global distribution routes, including after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, which has long been a key passage for oil tanker ships.

Although the direct impact on Indonesia is said not to be as severe as on other countries, the government believes anticipatory measures cannot be delayed. Securing oil supplies is deemed crucial to prevent a surge in global energy prices from immediately hitting the public, especially middle- and lower-income groups.

Therefore, the government is also ensuring that subsidised fuel prices will be maintained at current levels, at least for the next 12 months. Prabowo concluded his remarks by emphasising that the role of a head of state in the current global situation is far from easy.

“Don’t think this is an easy job. Those who want to become president, good luck. I’ve already committed. So now I have to work hard, no holidays for me,” he concluded.