Slew of overseas visits show Prabowo’s desire to take charge of foreign affairs as next president: Analysts

DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES

During Mr Widodo’s presidency, Indonesia was the rotating president of the Group of 20 (G20) in 2022 and the chairman of ASEAN in 2023. He was also the first Asian leader to visit Ukraine and Russia since the war broke out in Feb 2022. 

However, he has never attended the yearly UNGA.

Mr Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi, assigned then-vice president Jusuf Kalla to attend the UNGA in his first term, while Mdm Retno has been Indonesia’s representative for the past five years. 

His non-attendance at the UNGA has often been cited by analysts as a clear indicator that the president is not so interested in foreign affairs. 

“He has never given any statements about this (his non-attendance). But maybe he (Jokowi) feels more inclined to be at home … to see how his programmes are working (domestically),” said Associate Professor Teuku Rezasyah from Bandung’s Padjadjaran University.

Since assuming office in 2014, Jokowi has spent most of his time on domestic travel. The archipelago is vast –  the distance from west to east is equal to that between London and Baghdad  – and he is often in two provinces daily. 

Prof Angel Damayanti from Jakarta’s Christian University of Indonesia (UKI) said that retired general Prabowo has a different personality and background from Jokowi, a local businessman who came from humble roots.

“Mr Prabowo is easygoing, likes to have many friends, and has lived abroad for quite a time,” said Prof Angel, who specialises in international security and relations.  

“As a military personnel, he was used to working with the military from other countries, so he is more confident (than Jokowi), and he has that capability (to work with others).” 

Mr Prabowo’s father, Mr Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, was an economist and politician but lived abroad for a while due to political reasons. 

As a result, his son went to school in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom and is fluent in English and a few other foreign languages.

On social media platform X, Mr Prabowo claimed in 2013 that he also speaks German, Dutch, and French.

Assoc Prof Teuku Rezasyah from Bandung’s Padjadjaran University said Mr Prabowo is a confident leader.

“And he is knowledgeable about international issues,” he said.