Strengthening Indonesia’s International Ties and Securing Investments
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto returned from a significant state visit to five Middle Eastern countries, sharing the outcomes of his trip with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and key ministers at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, briefed the public on the details of Prabowo’s engagements, highlighting successful meetings and notable investments secured during the visit.
During the president’s trip, he visited several Middle Eastern nations, including Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt. His final stop was in Amman, Jordan, where he was received by King Abdullah II and participated in fruitful discussions. Gunawan emphasized the significance of the trip, which not only strengthened diplomatic relations but also paved the way for substantial economic cooperation.
Warm Welcome and Major Investment Deals
Prabowo’s meetings were marked by warm receptions from regional leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and King Abdullah in Jordan. The president delivered a speech before the Turkish parliament, which was well-received, and engaged in discussions on various sectors, including trade and defense.
One of the standout outcomes of the visit was an investment commitment of US$2 billion from Qatar to Danantara, a state-owned enterprise in Indonesia. This agreement highlights the growing economic ties between the two nations. Additionally, the UAE and Qatar are expected to continue expanding their investments in Indonesia, bolstering the country’s infrastructure and industrial sectors.
Prabowo’s visit to Egypt also yielded promising results, particularly in fostering ties with the large Indonesian student community in the country. Cooperation between Indonesia and Egypt is set to grow, particularly in the areas of education, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Briefing Indonesia’s Leadership Team
Upon returning to Jakarta, Prabowo was greeted by Vice President Gibran and a host of cabinet members, including Gunawan, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. The president took approximately 15 minutes to brief his ministers on the key takeaways from his meetings.
One of the main highlights shared by Prabowo was the progress made in securing significant investments. The two billion-dollar commitment from Qatar is expected to have a lasting impact on Indonesia’s economic landscape, particularly in areas such as infrastructure and business development. The investments from the UAE are also expected to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including energy and trade.
Gunawan further emphasized that these investments will not only strengthen Indonesia’s economy but also enhance its global standing in the Middle East. The continued partnership with nations like Qatar, the UAE, and Egypt is pivotal to Indonesia’s growing influence in the region.
Building Stronger Educational Ties
In addition to the economic agreements, Prabowo highlighted the importance of boosting educational collaboration, particularly with Egypt. Indonesia has a significant student population in Egypt, and the strengthened cooperation is expected to provide more opportunities for Indonesian students pursuing education in the Middle East. This collaboration is likely to foster greater cultural exchange and enhance Indonesia’s educational ties with Egypt.
Prabowo’s visit is seen as a crucial step in securing Indonesia’s place as a leading player in regional diplomacy, not just in the Middle East, but globally. By focusing on economic growth, international collaboration, and educational exchange, the president is ensuring that Indonesia continues to forge strong partnerships that will yield long-term benefits for the country.
