1-4-2024 (BEIJING) Indonesia’s president-elect, Prabowo Subianto, is set to engage in high-level discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday (Apr 1), marking his first overseas visit since winning the race to lead Southeast Asia’s largest economy less than two months ago.
Prabowo’s visit to China, extended at the invitation of Xi, underscores the significance of bilateral ties as he prepares to assume office as the next leader of Indonesia in October. This visit also places China ahead of Indonesia’s neighbouring nations in terms of diplomatic engagement, highlighting the enduring partnership fostered over the past decade under Prabowo’s predecessor, Joko Widodo.
In contrast, Jokowi, as the incumbent Indonesian leader is affectionately known, refrained from international travel as president-elect before his inauguration.
China holds the distinction of being Indonesia’s foremost trading partner over the past decade, driven by Indonesia’s abundant natural resources, including coal and nickel, which fuel China’s robust economy. Additionally, China has made substantial investments in Indonesian infrastructure and industrial ventures, notably the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway.
Following his visit to China, Prabowo is scheduled to visit Japan on Apr 2 to 3, where he will hold discussions with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and other officials, as confirmed by Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi on Monday.
Japan and Indonesia share a comprehensive strategic partnership founded on common principles and values. Prabowo’s visit is anticipated to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various domains, Hayashi noted during a regular press briefing.
In 2021, Prabowo and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi signed an agreement to facilitate the transfer of defence equipment during discussions with their Japanese counterparts. This move aligns with Japan’s objectives to enhance military and economic collaboration with Southeast Asian nations in response to China’s growing influence.
While Prabowo, currently serving as Indonesia’s defence minister, enjoys the support of Jokowi, his leadership will face challenges in navigating regional dynamics, particularly amidst the competition for influence between China and the United States in Southeast Asia.
Prabowo has affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to a policy of non-alignment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cordial relations with both China and the United States.
However, potential friction may arise from China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, particularly concerning Indonesia’s assertion of sovereignty over the southern portion of the region, designated as the North Natuna Sea in 2017. China disputes Indonesia’s claim, citing its own territorial demarcation based on a “nine-dash line,” a delineation invalidated by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague.
Prabowo’s diplomatic acumen and strategic decisions in managing these complex geopolitical dynamics will be closely scrutinized as Indonesia navigates its role in regional affairs.
