Prabowo Explains Frequent Overseas Trips, Cites Indonesia's 'Non-Aligned' Foreign Policy

President Prabowo Subianto has explained the reasons behind his frequent overseas trips, stating that they are part of Indonesia's "free and active" foreign policy, which demonstrates its neutral stance and impartiality towards any specific global power. He emphasized that accepting invitations from various countries is crucial for maintaining good international relations. In a release from Bakom RI (Agency for the Promotion of National Unity) on Wednesday (16/9), as quoted by CNN Indonesia, Prabowo stated, "It's not good if we are invited and don't come." He revealed that Indonesia frequently receives invitations from numerous countries, including Russia, France, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Arab nations, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, China, and Japan. "I can also say that I go to France very often, I go to the UK very often, I go to Turkey very often, very often to Arab countries, to Egypt, to Emirates, to Qatar, also to China, to Japan," Prabowo said in the program "Presiden Prabowo Menjawab" (President Prabowo Answers). He stated that as long as he receives invitations and has the opportunity to attend, he strives to fulfill them, especially if they come from countries with strategic roles in the international arena. Prabowo also explained the importance of Indonesia maintaining communication with Russia. He mentioned that Russia holds a strategic position in international relations, being a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, possessing vast territory, and having significant natural resources. "And it has very large natural resources. And traditionally, our relations with Russia are good. So, I think it's quite normal," he said. He stated that the same principle applies when Indonesia receives invitations from the United States or other countries. Prabowo said that accepting invitations from friendly nations is part of diplomacy that maintains communication and good relations. "But if I am invited, if I am invited to America, I will come. That's how it is, right? So, that's the point," he said. Prabowo also emphasized that Indonesia firmly upholds the principle of a free and active foreign policy in building relationships with countries around the world. He stressed that this principle prevents Indonesia from aligning itself with any particular bloc of power, while simultaneously opening avenues for friendship and cooperation with various nations. "We have been non-aligned from the beginning, we don't want to follow any blocs. So, on the one hand, it can be said that we want to be friends with anyone," he said. Source: CNN Indonesia