Prabowo: The United States and Indonesia Are True Friends
Jakarta, VIVA – President Prabowo Subianto has expressed optimism about the future of relations between Indonesia and the United States.
He stated that Indonesia would never forget the historic role played by the United States in supporting Indonesia's struggle for independence during the period from 1945 to 1949.
Prabowo made the remarks in his address at the Gala Iftar Dinner Business Summit at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, local time.
"Indonesia will always remember the role that the United States played in our history. The United States played a vital role in supporting our struggle for independence," Prabowo said.
Although Indonesia maintains a non-aligned foreign policy tradition, this does not diminish the country's commitment to its friendship with the United States or other major nations.
According to Prabowo, Indonesia respects all major powers and strives to serve as a bridge and honest broker amid global dynamics.
"We have always wanted to see a strong American presence in Indonesia. We have always tried to convince the United States that Indonesia is a true friend, even though politically we may have a non-aligned tradition," Prabowo said.
He observed that the world today requires closer collaboration and cooperation amid increasingly complex global challenges. For this reason, Prabowo said he welcomed the efforts of the current US leadership in fostering a climate of global peace.
"I see a great willingness on the part of current American leaders to create a climate of peace. It may not satisfy all parties, but at the very least we must try," Prabowo said.
Prabowo also affirmed Indonesia's commitment to building the best possible relationship with the United States across a range of fields, from politics and economics to humanitarian aid and environmental protection.
"We want the best possible relationship with the United States in all fields," Prabowo concluded.
He stated that Indonesia would never forget the historic role played by the United States in supporting Indonesia's struggle for independence during the period from 1945 to 1949.
Prabowo made the remarks in his address at the Gala Iftar Dinner Business Summit at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, local time.
"Indonesia will always remember the role that the United States played in our history. The United States played a vital role in supporting our struggle for independence," Prabowo said.
Although Indonesia maintains a non-aligned foreign policy tradition, this does not diminish the country's commitment to its friendship with the United States or other major nations.
According to Prabowo, Indonesia respects all major powers and strives to serve as a bridge and honest broker amid global dynamics.
"We have always wanted to see a strong American presence in Indonesia. We have always tried to convince the United States that Indonesia is a true friend, even though politically we may have a non-aligned tradition," Prabowo said.
He observed that the world today requires closer collaboration and cooperation amid increasingly complex global challenges. For this reason, Prabowo said he welcomed the efforts of the current US leadership in fostering a climate of global peace.
"I see a great willingness on the part of current American leaders to create a climate of peace. It may not satisfy all parties, but at the very least we must try," Prabowo said.
Prabowo also affirmed Indonesia's commitment to building the best possible relationship with the United States across a range of fields, from politics and economics to humanitarian aid and environmental protection.
"We want the best possible relationship with the United States in all fields," Prabowo concluded.