Prabowo's US Visit Said to Open Market Access and Strengthen Support for Palestine

Jakarta, VIVA – President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to the United States is considered to have brought strategic impact for Indonesia, not only in economic terms but also in terms of global diplomatic positioning, including support for Palestine.

International relations analyst Subhan Yusuf assessed the trip as encompassing two major agendas: the signing of an Indonesia-US trade contract and attendance at the inaugural Board of Peace summit.

According to him, the trade agreement with the United States remains beneficial for Indonesia despite a 19 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump, particularly as the figure represents a reduction from the previous 32 per cent.

“This will open broader market access for Indonesian exports and encourage investment in downstream processing, clean energy and strategic industries,” said the alumnus of Collegium Civitas in Poland on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

Subhan assessed that Indonesia is pursuing a strategy to expand its global room for manoeuvre without having to side with any single world economic power. This approach, he said, remains consistent with the principle of an independent and active foreign policy.

“Indonesia is expanding its options, not narrowing its choices. A strong relationship with the US does not mean distancing from China. Moreover, our involvement in ASEAN and the G-20 will strengthen Indonesia’s status as an influential middle power,” he said.

Beyond trade matters, Prabowo’s presence at the Board of Peace summit was also deemed strategic. The forum was considered to be in line with the constitutional mandate for Indonesia to participate in maintaining world order.

“In the context of Gaza reconstruction, Indonesia is not positioning itself as a passive observer. President Prabowo Subianto has chosen an inclusive diplomatic strategy — appearing with a characteristically Eastern demeanour, friendly in all directions without losing control of his normative position,” he said.

According to Subhan, the President’s presence at the forum reaffirms Indonesia’s identity as a nation supporting Palestinian independence, a stance that has been deeply rooted since the Soekarno era.

“Indonesia’s presence is not merely symbolic but part of the country’s historical consistency and moral position in supporting Palestinian independence,” he said.