Prabowo Takes the Helm: Indonesia’s New Non-Aligned Diplomacy
Well, Indonesia has just rolled out the red carpet for its new leader, President Prabowo Subianto, and it seems he’s sticking to the age-old tradition of promising a bit of everything without upsetting anyone—classic diplomatic maneuvering! In his inauguration speech on October 20, 2024, Prabowo declared that Indonesia would embark on a foreign policy of being “free and active” while firmly ensuring they’re “non-aligned.”
The Highlights of His Diplomacy Spam
Prabowo proclaimed loudly, “We do not want to join any military agreement; we choose to be friendly with all countries.” Ah yes, a friendly neighbor with a garden gnome that’s slightly terrifying—what could possibly go wrong? His commitment to anti-colonialism, anti-oppression, and anti-apartheid values certainly sounds noble. But let’s be real, how often does the practice match the pretty poster?
Now, regarding Taiwan, Prabowo wasn’t shy about the promise of continued friendship. His team confirmed that “Indonesia’s friendly relations with Taiwan will continue”—doesn’t this feel like a diplomatic game of “keep the receipts”? Meanwhile, scholars observing Prabowo’s speech were quick to suggest that his foreign policy might be just a tad reminiscent of his predecessor Joko Widodo. Talk about déjà vu!
The Academic Take
Academic insights sprinkled throughout the coverage suggest that, while everyone loves a little shake-up in politics, Prabowo might just be sticking to the well-worn path of diplomatic status quo. Titi Anggraini from the University of Indonesia pointed out that Prabowo’s liberal and active diplomacy does not predict any dramatic changes, especially concerning Taiwan. In fact, she seemed to imply that if one were expecting fireworks, they may have to settle for a few sparklers instead.
On the bright side, Ratih Kabinawa from the Academy of Social Sciences noted that even without major shifts in diplomatic recognition, Prabowo’s ties to Taiwan—as evidenced by his cabinet recruit, the former Indonesian representative to Taiwan—could turn Taiwan into a trade partner of surprising importance! Just imagine the economic talks over coconut water and fried rice!
Rooted in Friendship, Sprinkled in Diplomacy
Now, should we be checking the close ties of the past? Prabowo’s family has a history of engagement with Taiwan, making all this a rather cozy affair. The icing on the cake arrived courtesy of Eddy Soeparno, deputy chairman of Prabowo’s campaign team. He reinforced the idea that despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, the two countries have established economic offices—kinda like having a pizza delivery guy who doesn’t actually live in your neighborhood but still shows up on weekends.
A Toast to Future Relations
So, what can we take away from President Prabowo Subianto’s first volley in power? Indonesia appears to be staking a claim as the friendly neighbor who leans into their anti-colonial ideals while balancing on the diplomatic tightrope between nations. Whether this leads to fruitful relations or simply more barbecues remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the international community will be watching with popcorn ready.
Let’s raise a glass to diplomacy—may it be as smooth as Prabowo hopes it to be!
2024/10/20 20:15 (updated at 10/20 22:59)
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (front, center) was sworn in on the 20th. In his inauguration speech, he stated that in the face of the international situation, Indonesia has chosen a free and active but non-aligned line. (Provided by the Indonesian Presidential Palace Secretariat) Central News Agency reporter Li Zongxian Jakarta fax, October 20, 113
(Special report from Central News Agency reporter Li Zongxian in Jakarta) In his inauguration speech, Indonesian President Prabowo stated that he would continue non-aligned diplomacy and maintain friendship with other countries. Scholars believe that the foreign policy of the new government will not change much, and the relationship between Indonesia and Taiwan will not change either. Prabowo’s campaign team has stated that “Indonesia’s friendly relations with Taiwan will continue.”
Indonesia’s new President Prabowo Subianto took office today. When talking about diplomacy in his inauguration speech, he said that in the face of the international situation, “Indonesia has chosen a free and active but non-aligned line.”
“We do not want to join any military agreement, we choose to be friendly with all countries,” he said.
Prabowo emphasized that he has stated many times that Indonesia should pursue a foreign policy of being a good neighbor and adhere to the ancient philosophy that “1,000 friends are too few and one enemy is too many.” He also said that Indonesia hopes to be a good neighbor for all countries. Friend, but this is based on the principles of anti-colonialism, anti-oppression and anti-apartheid.
Titi Anggraini, an election and democracy researcher and lecturer at the Department of Law at the University of Indonesia, pointed out that from Prabowo’s remarks about diplomacy in his inauguration speech, we can know that Prabowo’s foreign policy is closely related to that of former President Joko Widodo. It won’t be much different.
She told CNA: “It can be seen from Prabowo’s inauguration speech that he emphasized liberal and active diplomacy and support for Palestinian independence, so I think (Indonesia’s) foreign policy was not good during Prabowo’s administration. There will be a lot of changes, including the relationship between Indonesia and Taiwan.”
Ratih Kabinawa, an adjunct researcher at the Academy of Social Sciences at the University of Western Australia, also expressed a similar view. She pointed out that there will not be any major changes in diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, but considering multiple factors, Taiwan’s recognition of Indonesia will become an important country.
She explained to Central News Agency, “His (Prabowo Plan) recruiting (former Indonesian representative to Taiwan) Budi Santoso into the cabinet will make Taiwan an important trade and economic partner of Indonesia.”
In addition, among the voters who voted for Prabowo for president this year, Indonesians in Taiwan became the main source of overseas votes.
Lu Biyi also revealed that Prabowo’s family members had had contact with Taiwan in the past, making him familiar with Taiwan issues.
Eddy Soeparno, deputy chairman and spokesperson of Prabowo’s campaign team, said in an exclusive interview with Central News Agency in February that if Prabowo is elected, Indonesia’s policy towards Taiwan will be the same as in the past and it will maintain friendly relations.
Eddie said: “Although we do not have diplomatic relations, Taiwan and Indonesia have established economic offices in each other, and the relationship between the two sides is very good in the fields of investment, economy, education and tourism.”
Eddie also mentioned that Taiwan has representative offices and offices in Indonesia in Jakarta and Surabaya. The two sides have established friendly relations, and this relationship is of course based on mutual respect. (Editor: Gao Zhaofen) 1131020
Prabowo
Jokowi’s eldest son Jibrang inspected the free lunch program in preparation for taking office. Government officials and diplomats from many countries celebrated the National Day reception at the Indonesian Embassy
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