U.S.-Indonesia Relations, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto congratulated Donald Trump on his recent election victory during a phone call shortly after his arrival in Washington. The congratulatory exchange between the two leaders took place amid Prabowo’s first official overseas tour since assuming office last month. The tour, which began with a high-profile visit to China, underscores Prabowo’s strategic approach to balancing relations between global superpowers.
President Prabowo’s recent visits reflect his stated commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy, positioning Indonesia as a neutral actor on the international stage. After departing from China, where he met with President Xi Jinping to discuss regional cooperation, Prabowo’s arrival in the United States highlights his intent to maintain a balanced approach to diplomatic relations with both the U.S. and China.
Prabowo’s non-alignment stance is particularly significant given his country’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, where both the U.S. and China compete for influence. Indonesia, as the world’s fourth-most populous country and a key player in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has long been a pivotal nation in regional geopolitics. By engaging with both major powers, Prabowo aims to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a neutral, respected voice in regional and global issues.
Prabowo’s phone call to President-elect Donald Trump was recorded and posted on his social media accounts, gaining immediate attention on the international stage. The video captures Prabowo congratulating Trump on his victory, saying, “Wherever you are, I’m willing to fly to congratulate you personally, sir.” Trump responded enthusiastically, stating, “We’ll do that, anytime you want,” a response that underlined the warmth of their interaction.
In the video, Trump went on to describe his election success as historic, calling it “the most successful in over 100 years.” This statement reflects Trump’s characteristic confidence and is a reference to what he and his supporters see as a mandate for his leadership, following a highly contested election period.
Trump also expressed admiration for Prabowo’s leadership, calling him “very respected” and complimenting his English language skills. Prabowo, in turn, acknowledged his American training background, highlighting his ties to the U.S. through his military education and experiences. As a former Indonesian special forces commander who studied in the United States, Prabowo’s familiarity with American culture and systems is seen as a potential advantage in fostering U.S.-Indonesian relations.
During their conversation, Prabowo expressed his shock and concern over an assassination attempt on Trump during the campaign season, an incident that had made headlines globally. He voiced relief that Trump had survived, underscoring the shared sentiment of respect and concern between the two leaders.
“Yes, I got very lucky,” Trump replied, recounting his narrow escape from the attempt. “I just happened to be in the right place with the right direction, otherwise I wouldn’t be talking to you right now.” The exchange over this life-threatening incident added a personal dimension to the conversation, revealing a shared sense of empathy and caution in the current geopolitical climate.
While the congratulatory call with Trump captured widespread media attention, Prabowo’s official visit also includes crucial discussions with U.S. President Joe Biden and other top officials. Scheduled to meet President Biden on Tuesday, Prabowo is expected to address several critical issues, including defense cooperation, economic investments, and climate change, reflecting Indonesia’s priorities on the international stage.
The meeting with Biden will be a platform for Prabowo to reinforce Indonesia’s role as a strategic partner to the U.S. in Southeast Asia. Topics like security partnerships, trade, and climate commitments are high on the agenda. Biden’s administration has emphasized the need for stronger alliances in Asia as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, and Prabowo’s visit is seen as an opportunity to strengthen these ties.
During his stay in Washington, Prabowo has engaged with various American corporate leaders to attract investments in Indonesia. His office reported meetings with executives from major U.S. companies such as mining giant Freeport McMoRan and energy firm Chevron. Prabowo used these discussions to promote Indonesia as a promising destination for foreign investment, emphasizing the country’s growing economy, rich natural resources, and strategic location.
By courting U.S. business leaders, Prabowo aims to attract investment that aligns with Indonesia’s development goals. This focus on economic diplomacy is in line with Prabowo’s campaign promise to create jobs, modernize infrastructure, and stimulate economic growth. Investments in sectors like energy, mining, and technology could help Indonesia accelerate its industrial development and achieve its ambitious economic goals.
Prabowo’s back-to-back visits to China and the U.S. are significant in light of his non-aligned foreign policy stance. While his meeting with Xi Jinping showcased Indonesia’s commitment to a cooperative relationship with China, his engagement with the U.S. signals an intention to balance that relationship by nurturing ties with other global powers.
Prabowo’s approach may also resonate with ASEAN’s long-standing principle of non-alignment, which emphasizes regional unity and independence from external influence. As China’s influence grows in Southeast Asia, several ASEAN countries face the challenge of balancing relations with both the U.S. and China. Prabowo’s diplomatic strategy reflects Indonesia’s aspiration to serve as a neutral mediator in the region.
The Indonesian public and media are closely watching Prabowo’s diplomatic approach, especially his interactions with Trump and Biden. Prabowo’s focus on economic development and his call for non-alignment resonate with the Indonesian people’s desire for peace and prosperity. Indonesia’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific makes it a focal point for regional powers, and Prabowo’s actions may shape ASEAN’s collective stance toward superpower competition.
In Southeast Asia, countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam are also navigating complex relationships with the U.S. and China. Prabowo’s approach could serve as a diplomatic blueprint for these nations, highlighting the benefits of engaging with both superpowers while safeguarding national interests.
The Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy seeks to counterbalance China’s growing influence in Asia by strengthening alliances with regional partners, including Indonesia. As the largest nation in Southeast Asia, Indonesia holds a unique position that makes it vital to the U.S. strategy. Prabowo’s visit signals Indonesia’s openness to deepening its partnership with the U.S., especially in areas like defense, trade, and technology.
In recent years, the U.S. has increased its defense cooperation with Indonesia, providing military assistance, training, and joint exercises. By reaffirming these commitments, Prabowo and Biden are likely to enhance the bilateral security partnership, which serves as a counterbalance to China’s expanding military presence in the region.
As Prabowo pursues his vision of non-alignment, he faces the challenge of maintaining this delicate balance in a polarized world. His willingness to engage with both the U.S. and China is likely to be tested by evolving geopolitical dynamics, trade issues, and security concerns. Prabowo’s ability to navigate these complexities will be crucial in determining Indonesia’s role as a neutral, respected voice in regional affairs.
Prabowo’s outreach to U.S. businesses and his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties are steps toward realizing his economic goals. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on his administration’s ability to implement policies that foster a stable investment climate in Indonesia.
