Responding to Dino's Criticism, Teddy Remarks: He Was Deputy Foreign Minister for Only Three Months

Jakarta — Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Letkol Teddy Indra Wijaya has explained that President Prabowo Subianto’s frequent international visits aim to build strong relationships with world leaders amid an uncertain global situation.

The statement came as a response to comments from former Deputy Foreign Minister (Wamenlu) Dino Patti Djalal regarding President Prabowo’s foreign travel. Teddy took the opportunity to point out that Dino, despite being a respected diplomat, only served as deputy foreign minister for approximately three months in 2014.

“Every leader must build close relationships between world leaders, and we cannot simply rely on waiting for a crisis before requesting assistance. No. We must harvest good relationships, and then if an urgent situation arises, we can request assistance and the same applies in reverse,” Teddy said in Jakarta on Monday evening, 1 June 2026.

Teddy explained that the global landscape changes dynamically each day. Therefore, he continued, Prabowo has established a yearly schedule that is fixed and urgent schedules that are adapted to meet both domestic and foreign needs.

He noted that Prabowo assumed the presidency amid various international crises occurring in several regions worldwide. According to Teddy, these conditions require the head of state to actively engage in communication and direct relationships with other national leaders.

Furthermore, he added, relationships between nations cannot be built instantly when crises occur. Therefore, Teddy said, Prabowo needs to build closeness and trust with world leaders from the outset.

Teddy stated that diplomacy is conducted not only through formal meetings open to the public, but also through personal communication that can take place confidentially. Regarding Dino’s suggestion to hold meetings with foreign leaders on the sidelines of international forums, Teddy said this decision rests directly with Prabowo.