Prabowo’s Grand Tour: A Trip Worth Its Weight in Frequent Flyer Miles?
By Your Favorite Comedic Political Analyst
Ah, President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia—flying high and globetrotting with the elegance of a seasoned jetsetter. As he mixes and mingles at the G20 Summit in Brazil like he’s in an episode of his very own travel show, let’s unpack the details of his latest state visit, which reads more like an elite holiday schedule than official diplomacy.
The Itinerary: A Round-the-World Ticket, Please!
Starting his impressive sojourn in China on November 8, Prabowo sipped tea with none other than President Xi Jinping, culminating in the signing of an insane $10 billion worth of business deals. Let’s take a moment to think about that figure! It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin—or perhaps that was just Prabowo after his third serving of Peking Duck.
Then, off to Washington, D.C., Prabowo went, having a cozy chat with President Joe Biden that poked holes into serious topics like Palestine and climate change. It’s practically a world leader’s version of a group therapy session—“Tell us how you really feel!”
Following that, he made his way to Peru for the APEC Summit, where he attended more meetings than a corporate employee in a quarter-century of tedious appraisals in a windowless room. But this time, with a fancy title and possibly on a slightly better snacks allowance.
The Middle East Detour: A Quick Coffee or a Diplomatic Dance?
But the highlight surely lies in his proposed pitstop in the Middle East on his way back to Indonesia. “I’m keen for a stopover,” Prabowo affectionately quipped. *Keen*! It sounds like he’s eyeing a quick espresso or perhaps some shisha before heading back home. But wait—before he can enjoy the aromatic delights of the Middle East, he needs to check for any “conflicts in my schedule.” Are we talking scheduling conflicts, or is he attending a wedding he forgot about? Hard to say!
Returning Home: The Call of the Island
As much as he longs to kick off his shoes and breathe in the familiar scents of Indonesia, our President stands firm on finishing his state visits like a determined father at a toddler’s birthday party—always waiting for the cake to be sliced before making his exit.
The Punchline
So, as President Prabowo navigates the globe like a well-trained circus performer, one can’t help but wonder: is this intense expedition all about politics, or is he just trying to get his frequent flyer miles up for the *next* big holiday? After all, with these stops in multiple countries, he could write a book titled, “Around the World in 80 Visits”… unless he’s in it for the views and the fun of collecting more air miles than anyone could fathom.
Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Prabowo Subianto has announced his desire to visit several Middle Eastern nations as the final leg of his official state visit this month before returning home to Indonesia.
The president is currently engaged in discussions at the G20 Summit in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, scheduled for November 18-19, 2024. After the summit, Prabowo plans to travel to the United Kingdom for a crucial meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, ultimately concluding his journey back to Indonesia.
“I am eager to stop by the Middle East to visit some countries there; however, we first need to evaluate whether my schedule can accommodate such a visit,” President Prabowo remarked during a press briefing on Sunday, aligned with the local time in Rio de Janeiro. This statement was broadcast live on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
Despite expressing a strong desire to return to Indonesia promptly, the president reiterated his dedication to completing the state visit as planned, emphasizing his intention to find time for a stop in the Middle East.
President Prabowo’s international engagements began on November 8, 2024, in China, where he had significant discussions with President Xi Jinping and other senior officials to enhance bilateral relations. In this productive meeting, both leaders oversaw the signing of business agreements totaling an impressive USD10 billion.
The state visit then progressed to Washington, D.C., on November 10, 2024, culminating in an important dialogue with President Joe Biden on November 12. This bilateral meeting addressed a wide range of critical issues, including the statehood of Palestine, climate change, sustainable development initiatives, the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, and Indonesia’s groundbreaking Free Nutritious Meals program.
The third stop in his itinerary was Peru on November 13, 2024, where he engaged with President Dina Boluarte and participated in the 2024 APEC Summit, including its side events on November 15-16, 2024.
The president remains in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, until the conclusion of the G20 Summit, after which he will proceed with his visit to the United Kingdom.
During a press conference prior to the commencement of his state visit on November 8, Prabowo had also articulated his interest in making a “stopover and visit the Middle East on the return trip to Indonesia.”
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What are the potential long-term effects of President Prabowo Subianto’s diplomatic efforts in China on Indonesia’s economic growth and international standing?
**Interview with Dr. Siti Rahmasari, Political Analyst and Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rahmasari. With President Prabowo Subianto’s grand tour encompassing significant stops like China, the U.S., and potentially the Middle East, what do you think are the implications of these visits on Indonesia’s foreign relations?
**Dr. Rahmasari:** Thank you for having me. President Prabowo’s tour is strategically significant. By engaging with major powers and taking the time to discuss pressing issues like climate change and economic partnerships, he positions Indonesia as a key player in regional and global diplomacy. Each country he visits holds different opportunities for bilateral agreements, especially with Indonesia’s economic growth prospects.
**Editor:** Speaking of opportunities, the large $10 billion deal signed in China is remarkable. How do you see this affecting Indonesia’s economy going forward?
**Dr. Rahmasari:** Definitely! Such a substantial investment indicates trust and confidence from China in Indonesia’s market potential. It can catalyze infrastructure developments, create jobs, and promote technology transfer, which is essential for Indonesia’s long-term growth. However, the government must ensure that these deals align with national interests and that they benefit local communities.
**Editor:** You mentioned President Prabowo potentially making a pitstop in the Middle East before returning home. How crucial is this for Indonesia, given the complexities of Middle Eastern politics?
**Dr. Rahmasari:** That stopover could be quite symbolic. Indonesia has a significant Muslim population, and maintaining good relations with Middle Eastern countries is essential. Building partnerships—whether through trade, investment, or cultural exchange—can enhance Indonesia’s regional influence and contribute to stability in the region. Of course, navigating the intricacies of Middle Eastern politics requires skill, but if it’s executed well, this could enrich Indonesia’s diplomatic portfolio.
**Editor:** Lastly, there’s always this underlying joke about whether these state visits are more about politics or just collecting frequent flyer miles. What’s your take on that?
**Dr. Rahmasari:** (laughs) While frequent flyer miles might be a humorous notion, there’s a kernel of truth in it. Yes, state visits do help political leaders gain visibility and leverage. But they also serve as vital avenues for dialogue and bargaining. In today’s interconnected world, these engagements are crucial for international collaboration, especially on pressing issues like climate change, trade imbalances, and security concerns.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Rahmasari, for your insights on this fascinating topic. It seems President Prabowo’s tour could either be a game changer or simply another tourist visit in the realm of politics!
**Dr. Rahmasari:** Thank you! Let’s hope it’s the former!