Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto began his presidency with a notable commitment to fortifying diplomatic and economic relations with key global partners, starting with China. At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prabowo embarked on a state visit to China from November 1 to 2, marking the first leg of a broader diplomatic tour spanning five countries. The decision to prioritize China underscores Indonesia’s commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in the region and highlights Prabowo’s efforts to continue Indonesia’s longstanding policy of non-alignment amid shifting global dynamics.

Prabowo’s approach to governance is encapsulated in his campaign slogan “keberlanjutan,” meaning continuity. By retaining much of the policy team from former President Joko Widodo’s administration, Prabowo aims to sustain Indonesia’s established diplomatic strategy while also building on his predecessor’s economic and infrastructure initiatives. Sixteen officials from Widodo’s cabinet have remained in their roles, signaling a clear intention to maintain a pragmatic foreign policy approach centered on national interests, balanced diplomacy, and stable regional relations.

The essence of Prabowo’s foreign policy vision is encapsulated in Indonesia’s motto of “a thousand friends are too few, but one enemy is too many.” This statement reinforces Indonesia’s longstanding non-aligned stance and its focus on fostering positive relations with various global powers without becoming enmeshed in confrontations. In a world increasingly polarized by China-US competition, Prabowo’s adherence to this philosophy is designed to provide Indonesia with greater strategic space, allowing the nation to benefit from its relationships with major powers without compromising its autonomy.

Indonesia’s economic goals are at the forefront of Prabowo’s foreign policy, with an ambitious target to elevate Indonesia’s annual growth rate from the current 5 percent to 8 percent within five years. China, as a key trade partner and investor, is poised to play a crucial role in this vision. China has been a major contributor to Indonesia’s infrastructure sector, including the landmark Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, which has become an emblem of China-Indonesia cooperation and a vital asset in Indonesia’s economic modernization efforts. This project, along with other infrastructure initiatives, illustrates China’s pivotal role in Indonesia’s developmental ambitions, providing both financial and technical support.

During this visit, Prabowo discussed further infrastructural collaboration, notably a proposed giant sea wall on the northern coast of Java Island to address frequent tidal floods and land subsidence. The project is crucial for safeguarding key urban centers and economic hubs in the region, and China’s experience in constructing large-scale infrastructure is expected to be invaluable in this effort.

Prabowo’s administration is also marked by a focus on resource nationalism, a policy aimed at maximizing the economic benefits of Indonesia’s natural resources. This initiative includes export restrictions on unprocessed minerals such as nickel and bauxite, which are essential for industries ranging from batteries to electronics. Although Indonesia’s stance on mineral export controls has faced criticism from the European Union and other global players, China has maintained a supportive approach, opting instead to deepen its investment in Indonesia’s nickel industry.

The synergy in this sector has reinforced mutual political trust, as China’s acceptance of Indonesia’s resource policies aligns well with Prabowo’s goal of using national resources to support domestic industries and economic development. This mutually beneficial cooperation in the resource economy is likely to serve as a foundation for strengthened economic ties, facilitating further investment and shared interests between the two nations.

In addition to deepening bilateral ties, Prabowo has expressed a desire for Indonesia to assume a more prominent role on the global stage, particularly by joining multilateral organizations like BRICS. As an emerging economic powerhouse, Indonesia’s participation in BRICS would enhance its diplomatic influence and provide a valuable platform for advocating regional and global issues from a Southeast Asian perspective. The initiative reflects Prabowo’s ambition to amplify Indonesia’s voice in international discourse and align with other developing nations on matters of economic equity, regional cooperation, and political stability.

BRICS membership could also offer Indonesia new avenues for economic cooperation, technological exchange, and joint development projects, thereby complementing Prabowo’s domestic growth agenda. In the context of an evolving multipolar world, Indonesia’s increased engagement with BRICS would underscore its commitment to non-alignment while providing it with broader strategic options on the international stage.

As Indonesia faces mounting challenges from global geopolitical shifts, Prabowo’s administration is committed to ensuring that the nation’s foreign policy continues to prioritize regional stability, economic development, and strategic autonomy. By strengthening ties with China, Prabowo signals his administration’s readiness to engage proactively with key global powers in a way that serves Indonesia’s long-term interests.

For China, the relationship with Indonesia presents a significant opportunity as well. China is interested in maintaining stability in Southeast Asia, a region with substantial economic potential and strategic importance. By supporting Indonesia’s development projects, China not only strengthens its diplomatic and economic ties with a key regional player but also reinforces its influence in Southeast Asia. This partnership, grounded in mutual respect for sovereignty and shared economic interests, provides a model for other nations navigating complex relations with major powers.

Prabowo’s commitment to continuity in foreign policy, coupled with his administration’s strategic focus on national development and resource sovereignty, sets a foundation for a robust partnership with China. This cooperative approach, centered on economic pragmatism and mutual respect, could foster greater stability in the region, mitigate the impact of superpower rivalries, and create a positive momentum for Asian nations to pursue development goals without compromising their independence.

As both countries work to solidify their relationship, Prabowo’s diplomatic moves reflect his administration’s larger vision: a balanced, independent, and growth-oriented Indonesia that plays an active role in shaping regional dynamics. Through stronger economic partnerships, strategic diplomacy, and a commitment to pragmatic policies, Indonesia under Prabowo’s leadership is set to reinforce its standing as a formidable, independent voice in regional and global affairs. This approach is not only in line with Indonesia’s historical diplomatic values but also essential for navigating an increasingly multipolar world.

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