Stories of Invitations from the US to Russia: Prabowo Says, 'Would I Dare Not Attend?'

President Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia maintains good relations with major countries. Prabowo also explained why he must attend invitations from leaders of countries such as the United States (US) and Russia. Prabowo’s statement was delivered during the opening speech of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (Hipmi) National Conference in Lampung on Wednesday. Prabowo initially described Indonesia’s condition, which he said is liked by many countries. “Ladies and gentlemen, sometimes as a country liked by many, Indonesia is now liked, Indonesia is sought after because Indonesia is known for not wanting to have enemies,” said Prabowo. Prabowo then posed a question to the attendees of the Hipmi National Conference. Prabowo also alluded to people who act as if they know better than everyone else. The Chairman of Gerindra stated that he is a president who has been given a mandate by the people of Indonesia. “Now I ask you, I ask you, because there are those who act as if they are cleverer than everyone else,” said Prabowo. “Imagine, as the President of Indonesia, I was chosen by the people to protect the people of Indonesia. Now, if a superpower country, say President Trump, invites me to America, would I dare not attend? If the President of the United States invites the President of Indonesia and this President of Indonesia does not show up, ha… just try it,” he added. Prabowo also explained why after visiting one country he must stop by another country. He gave an analogy regarding appearances in Washington and Moscow, Russia. “So, ladies and gentlemen, the American President has invited me, the Russian President has also invited me. I show up in Washington, but I don’t show up in Moscow? That’s not possible, ladies and gentlemen. After that, I am invited again by President Xi Jinping, so I attend. Is that allowed? Then invited again by India. India has 1.4 billion people, a huge market, great technology. So… Brazil, the same,” said Prabowo. Prabowo referred to this as a risk of a country that has many friends. “So, ladies and gentlemen, this is the risk for a country with many friends. We, Indonesia, are the largest country in Asia,” he added.