ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, who is currently a presidential candidate supported by the Advanced Indonesia Coalition, has confirmed that he will continue to maintain a non-aligned foreign policy if elected as President in 2024.
Prabowo emphasized this in the ‘Speech of the Presidential Candidate of the Republic of Indonesia: Direction and Strategy of Foreign Policy’ which was initiated by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta, Monday (13/11/2023).
Prabowo said that since the beginning of independence, Indonesia has always implemented an independent foreign policy, namely guided by the principle of non-aligned foreign policy.
“Our foreign policy tradition has always been non-aligned, and we do not want to be part of any geopolitical bloc,” he said.
Prabowo explained that this policy was designed by the founding fathers of the nation and was the best way that the Indonesian people wanted. Apart from that, the non-aligned policy is very suitable for Indonesia’s interests.
“I am committed to continuing and maintaining this tradition. Because this is not only our tradition, but the desire of our people. More importantly, this is in our national interest,” he explained.
Prabowo said that he would implement a good neighbor policy as a foreign policy. This is because Indonesia is in the middle of a very important trade route as well as a strategic waterway that is important for many other countries.
“We depend on trade, therefore it is in our interests to have a tradition called a good neighbor policy. We want to maintain a good neighbor policy in our region and also in the world,” said Prabowo.
In implementing the good neighbors policy, Prabowo emphasized the importance of building good relationships and avoiding hostility.
“A thousand friends are only a few, one enemy is too many. We need peace and stability so that our economy can develop and bring prosperity to the people,” he said.
However, Prabowo realizes that this policy is not easy to implement. However, he remains adamant that he will continue to establish partnerships with many parties.
“It’s easy to say but not easy to do. Even though they don’t want to be friends with me, I still want to be friends with them. I learned it the hard way,” he said. (AT Network)
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