President Prabowo’s Visit to China a Diplomatic Honor, a Strategic Step to Maintain Friendship

Jakarta – Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that President Prabowo’s visit to China was a direct invitation from President Xi Jinping. This invitation is certainly not an ordinary one, but rather a diplomatic honor.

This was conveyed by Minister Prasetyo Hadi when asked by the media in Jakarta about President Prabowo’s visit to China.

“This is not just a matter of protocol, but a rare diplomatic honor,” he emphasized.

He added that the President’s decision to travel to China was well-planned and took into account the dynamics of the domestic situation in recent days. President Prabowo expressed his gratitude to the public, the police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the central and regional governments who have quickly worked together to maintain unity and order, enabling the national situation to gradually recover.

“To maintain good relations with the Chinese government, the President has decided to depart and will return to Indonesia as soon as possible,” Prasetyo explained.

President Prabowo’s presence at the military parade in Beijing is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and China and open up dialogue with leaders of other countries on the international stage.

Meanwhile, international relations observer Dinna Prapto Raharja said that President Prabowo’s presence in China demonstrates Indonesia as a middle power seeking to hear directly the positions of major countries amidst tense global dynamics.

“I hope the President will follow up by maintaining a calm global situation and not being provoked by harsh rhetoric,” he said.

Meanwhile, CELIOS Executive Director Bhima Yudhistira assessed that China holds a crucial role in the Indonesian economy. Therefore, President Prabowo’s presence is a strategic move.

“Yes, this is because China’s position as an investor and trading partner is very significant,” he concluded.

“This opportunity can be used to improve the quality of cooperation, from workforce development to downstream investment,” Bhima explained.

He added that President Prabowo can encourage Indonesia-China cooperation to go beyond smelter construction, but also expand into the middle and manufacturing sectors, including electric vehicles.

“This cooperative relationship is truly a win-win for China and adds value to Indonesia,” he said.