Prabowo: Indonesia Is a True Friend of the US, Despite Non-Aligned Foreign Policy

President Prabowo Subianto affirmed that Indonesia is a true friend of the United States, despite politically adhering to a non-aligned foreign policy tradition. He noted that the relationship between the two nations has deep historical roots that must not be forgotten.

Prabowo made the remarks during his address at the Gala Iftar Business Summit at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC on Wednesday (18 February 2026) local time. He recalled the role the US played in supporting Indonesia’s struggle for independence.

“I am very optimistic about the future of our relationship. Indonesia will always remember the role that the United States played in our history. The US played an important role in supporting our struggle for independence in the late 1940s. At that time, we were fighting a war of independence to free ourselves from Dutch colonialism, and the US was very instrumental in supporting us,” he said.

Following independence, Prabowo noted that the US had consistently assisted Indonesia during critical times. He therefore urged the younger generation never to forget this history.

“There are indeed friends who are only around when things are going well — in your parlance, they are called fair-weather friends. However… this shows just how old I am, because I still remember those difficult times,” he said.

Prabowo stressed that his visit served as proof of Indonesia’s commitment to continuing to strengthen its partnership with the United States. He sought to reassure Washington that Indonesia is a true friend, even though it politically maintains its non-aligned principles.

“I think my visit here today, as well as my support for the US-Indonesia partnership, is proof of our commitment that we want to see a strong American presence in Indonesia. We have always wanted that. We have always tried to convince the United States that Indonesia is a true friend, even though politically we have a tradition of non-aligned foreign policy,” he said.

Indonesia’s foreign policy from the outset, according to Prabowo, has positioned the country to respect all great powers and cultivate friendships with all nations. With this principle, Indonesia believes it can serve as a bridge or intermediary amid global dynamics.

“That is our foreign policy tradition. We take a position that greatly respects all great powers. We value friendship with all nations. Ultimately, we feel we can be a kind of bridge, a kind of honest broker among the world’s great powers,” he said.

Furthermore, Prabowo affirmed Indonesia’s desire to build the best possible relationship with the United States across all fields. He assessed that the potential for cooperation between the two nations remains enormous.

“Once again, we want the best relationship with the United States in all areas: politics, economics, humanitarian assistance, and environmental protection. We have strong potential to enhance this relationship. Indonesia has great potential. We realise — and I think this region also realises — that Indonesia is no longer a sleeping giant. We are beginning to wake up,” he said.