Entering its first year in office, President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka have presented several strategic achievements on the international stage. During this period, Indonesia has demonstrated a more active and assertive diplomatic approach in asserting its position as a middle power contributing to global peace and stability.
The first significant step occurred on 6 January 2025, when Indonesia officially joined Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), becoming the first Southeast Asian country to become a member of this economic bloc. This decision marked a strategic effort by the government to expand its global economic influence while diversifying strategic partnerships beyond the traditional Western sphere.
Shortly thereafter, trade relations with the United States experienced tensions after Washington imposed a 32 percent import tariff on several Indonesian commodities. In response, President Prabowo engaged in direct negotiations with President Donald Trump via telephone, which resulted in a reduction of the tariff to 19 percent. This move was regarded as a demonstration of Indonesia’s assertive economic diplomacy in facing protectionist policies from a key partner, the U.S.
Furthermore, during the first year of his administration, President Prabowo conducted state and diplomatic visits to 33 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. President Prabowo also received a special invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the 80th Anniversary Celebration of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance. Additionally, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Sugiono, undertook a diplomatic trip to North Korea on 10–11 October 2025 to accept an invitation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Choe Son Hui—the first visit by an Indonesian Foreign Minister to the DPRK in 12 years. These visits demonstrated Indonesia’s assertiveness in maintaining stability in the East Asian region.
On 28 May 2025, the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Indonesia further highlighted the increasingly close bilateral relations between the two countries. During the visit, Macron awarded the Legion of Honour to President Prabowo in recognition of his contributions to defense cooperation and global diplomacy. A total of 21 agreement documents were signed, showcased, and announced, marking a strong commitment to deepening cross-sectoral strategic partnerships.
Then, on 23 September 2025, Prabowo attended and delivered a speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly—marking the first in-person appearance by an Indonesian president at the forum in a decade. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of universal brotherhood amid national and religious differences and called for global solidarity for peace and justice.
Another important diplomatic moment occurred on 13 October 2025, when President Prabowo attended the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. At the forum, which was attended by several world leaders, Indonesia supported the signing of a ceasefire declaration between Israel and Hamas and reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution and the reconstruction of Gaza.
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