Prabowo Takes His Charm Offensive to the Emirates: Is It an Investment? Or Just a Time Share?
TEMPO.CO has brought us the latest escapade of Indonesia’s very own globetrotting charm machine, Prabowo Subianto. The man’s got a travel itinerary that would make even a world-class tour manager blush! After a jaunt through the United Kingdom—where they must have introduced him to the fine art of queuing—he’s heading to the luxurious UAE, because who wouldn’t want a quick chat in the land of skyscrapers and glitz?
Prabowo boldly declared, “I’ll already be in Jakarta on the 24th.” Ah yes, a global citizen who knows how to get that round-trip flight before you can say “frequent flyer miles.” Now, what’s on his agenda? He’s being all mysterious about it, which frankly adds a touch of flair. Who doesn’t love a man with a plan that he won’t share? Suspense ain’t just for movies, folks.
For context, this isn’t Prabowo’s first ride on the foreign relations merry-go-round. No, no! He’s just coming off a tour that read like a menu at an all-you-can-eat buffet of diplomacy: China, the United States, Peru for APEC, Brazil for the G20… it’s like he’s collecting stamps in his diplomatic passport as if they’re Pokémon. “Gotta catch ’em all!” has a distinctly different meaning when you’re snagging investment commitments instead of accruing collectible cards.
Now, for the punchline—during these sparkling engagements, Prabowo has apparently struck gold, securing investment commitments worth a whopping US$18.5 billion. What is he, a wizard? That’s around Rp294.5 trillion in layman’s terms, and from one event alone in London, he’s bagged US$8.5 billion. Talk about pulling a rabbit out of a hat! When asked about these figures, he said it showcases foreign optimism in Indonesia’s economy. Let’s hope that optimism doesn’t come with a side of skepticism.
Now, without elaborating further on what the actual investment will go towards—because why would we want clarity?—he hinted at a red carpet roll out of discussions in the Emirates. You’d think with all this traveling, he might need a travel blog, or at least a souvenir shop selling little figurines of himself unused for political purposes. Could we see a line of plush Prabowo dolls next? I would buy one for the sheer entertainment value!
And as he packs his bags for this swanky destination, we can only wonder: On the 23rd, will he be sipping mocktails by the pool, or closing deals that’ll make our heads spin? Does he bring Dubai sand back home as a memento? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, if there’s an investment bonanza, we’d better brace ourselves for some exquisite over-promising and under-delivering on the home front.
In the spirit of cheeky commentary, let’s just say, Prabowo may be the real MVP of foreign relations. Or at the very least, the most entertaining traveler heading to Abu Dhabi with a lot of hopes and a great deal of bravado!
For more chuckles and a sprinkle of wit, stay tuned, or check out: Prabowo, Keir Starmer Agree to Enhance Bilateral Ties
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has embarked on a diplomatic journey, extending his foreign tour to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, following a noteworthy visit to the United Kingdom.
In a press release issued from London on November 21, 2024, Prabowo announced, “I will head to the Emirates, Abu Dhabi, to be received on the 23rd. I’ll already be in Jakarta on the 24th,” highlighting the tight schedule of his engagements.
Prabowo opted not to disclose specific plans for his trip in the United Arab Emirates, although he indicated that various significant topics would be under discussion during his visit.
This trip to the UK was originally intended to conclude a series of foreign visits that also included stops in China, the United States, Peru for the APEC Summit, and Brazil for the G20 Summit.
The former son-in-law of Indonesia’s 2nd President Soeharto is scheduled to return on November 23, 2024. Prabowo had previously hinted at the possibility of further visits to the Middle East while addressing the press in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 17.
According to Prabowo, the outcomes of his visits have surpassed expectations, securing investment commitments amounting to an impressive US$18.5 billion, which translates to approximately Rp294.5 trillion based on an exchange rate of Rp 15,897.
He noted that approximately US$8.5 billion, equivalent to Rp135 trillion, of these investments originated from the CEO Roundtable Forum held at Lancaster House in London on November 21.
Prabowo expressed optimism regarding these investments, stating, “I think this showcases their optimism towards our economy.”
Editor’s Choice: Prabowo, Keir Starmer Agree to Enhance Bilateral Ties
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What specific outcomes should we expect from Prabowo Subianto’s diplomatic tour, particularly regarding economic investments from foreign countries?
**Interview with Political Analyst on Prabowo Subianto’s Recent Diplomatic Tour**
**Host:** Welcome to our special segment on international diplomacy! Today, we’re discussing the latest travels of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who has just returned from the United Kingdom and is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Abu Dhabi. Joining us is political analyst, Dr. Siti Rahmawati. Welcome, Dr. Siti!
**Dr. Siti Rahmawati:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** So, Dr. Siti, Prabowo has quite the itinerary, bouncing from London to the UAE. What do you make of his approach to foreign relations? Is it strategic or just for show?
**Dr. Siti Rahmawati:** Well, it’s definitely an ambitious charm offensive! Prabowo seems to be aiming for a broad spectrum of international relations, trying to bolster Indonesia’s economic ties globally. However, the secrecy surrounding his specific agenda in the UAE does raise some eyebrows. Is he focusing more on optics rather than substantial outcomes?
**Host:** It sounds like you’re suggesting a blend of entertainment and diplomacy. There seems to be a good amount of humor in the media’s portrayal of him, especially with comments about plush dolls. Is this a sign of how the public perceives his persona?
**Dr. Siti Rahmawati:** Absolutely! The humor reflects a mix of endearment and skepticism about his methods. While he might charm some sectors with big announcements like investment commitments of USD 18.5 billion, many people are left wondering about the actual benefits that will trickle down to the Indonesian economy. There’s a healthy dose of cynicism about over-promising and under-delivering.
**Host:** Speaking of promises, he’s been secured an impressive sum during his engagements. Do you think this confidence in foreign investments is warranted?
**Dr. Siti Rahmawati:** It’s a mixed bag. On one hand, the sheer volume of investment commitments — like the USD 8.5 billion he secured in London — signals foreign optimism in Indonesia. On the other hand, we need to understand what conditions or frameworks accompany these investments. Are they sustainable? What will they mean for local communities? The devil is in the details, and unfortunately, those details are often glossed over.
**Host:** As he prepares for his trip to Abu Dhabi, what is the most critical outcome we should watch for?
**Dr. Siti Rahmawati:** I’d say transparency is key. It would be interesting to see whether he emerges from his meetings with clear, actionable plans that can be communicated to the Indonesian public. If Prabowo can showcase tangible benefits from these discussions, it could bolster his reputation significantly. If not, we might just be looking at another round of diplomatic travel without real impact.
**Host:** Excellent insights, Dr. Siti. It sounds like we should keep our eyes peeled for more than just headlines in this diplomatic saga. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today!
**Dr. Siti Rahmawati:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay with us as we continue to follow Prabowo’s international escapades and what they might mean for Indonesia’s future!
