Portrait of Prabowo Subianto
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Prabowo Subianto on United States

Diplomatic pragmatist (moderate)

TL;DR

Prabowo Subianto seeks mutually beneficial trade relations while balancing Indonesian sovereignty with a pragmatic US partnership.

Key Points

  • Indonesia will consider withdrawing from a peace board if it fails to benefit Palestinians, signaling a limit to partnership alignment.

  • He has emphasized that Indonesia-US trade negotiations should result in outcomes that are mutually beneficial for both nations as of a date in 2025.

  • A joint statement was issued following a meeting with a former US President in 2019, outlining shared visions.

Summary

Prabowo Subianto views the United States as a key partner for trade and bilateral cooperation, emphasizing that negotiations must serve Indonesian interests to be deemed mutually beneficial. As president, he has focused on maintaining functional diplomatic ties, including discussions on trade agreements that promise economic advantages for Indonesia. This approach reflects a desire to leverage the relationship for national development without compromising core national objectives.

His strategy involves multi-alignment, aiming to maintain strong relations with major world powers, including the US, without becoming overly dependent or aligned against rivals. This delicate balancing act means that while he maintains a working relationship, exemplified by previous meetings with a former US President, the underlying principle is that partnership cannot come at the expense of national dignity or humanitarian concerns, as seen in his stated position on the Palestinian issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prabowo Subianto's position leans toward a pragmatic partnership with the United States, focusing primarily on securing mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation for Indonesia. He navigates this relationship while simultaneously asserting Indonesian sovereignty and balancing ties with other global powers.

While the core focus on maintaining a working relationship with the US appears consistent, the context of his stance has evolved with his political role. As president, he has more directly emphasized the necessity for US trade dealings to yield clear benefits for Indonesia, reflecting a more formalised executive position.

Prabowo Subianto stated that trade negotiations between Indonesia and the US are productive when they are mutually beneficial to both countries. He views these economic discussions as essential for fostering a stronger relationship under his administration.