Assessing Prabowo's Geopolitical Diplomacy Ahead of His Second Year in Office

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's first two years in office have been marked by an exceptionally active diplomatic agenda, with over 50 foreign journeys undertaken. This intense period, spanning from late 2024 through mid-2026, included significant visits to Jordan, the UAE, Japan, and several European nations like France, Austria, and Hungary.

President Prabowo has pursued a dynamic, multidirectional foreign policy, shifting from passive economic pragmatism to a more assertive middle-power stance. Under his leadership, Indonesia has balanced aggressive global market expansion, evidenced by its BRICS membership and pursuit of OECD accession, with substantial defense modernization and a diversification of international partnerships.

This high frequency of international diplomatic and economic missions has ignited domestic discussion regarding the efficiency of the national budget in relation to the active foreign policy. While some segments of the public appreciate President Prabowo's geopolitical diplomacy, others have voiced criticism.

The article delves into how President Prabowo navigates the complexities of geopolitical dynamics, aiming to guide Indonesia toward peace, progress, and prosperity. It questions the true effectiveness of his diplomatic efforts and their impact on Indonesia's global standing. Drawing parallels with insights from Stuart E. Eizenstat, a former policy advisor and author on diplomacy, the piece explores the art of managing international relations and disputes peacefully through structured negotiation, persuasion, and empathy, suggesting that Prabowo's approach embodies these diplomatic values despite differences in style compared to U.S. diplomacy.