TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said there was no need for a new non-aligned movement, and the most important for Indonesia is taking concrete steps amid current geopolitical and economic rivalries.

“I believe we already have enough (movements), so the most important thing now is Africa to see us,” said Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, on Thursday, June 13, 2024. He also said too many movements are ineffective.

Prabowo claimed African countries are noticing Indonesia due to its success as a developing country. The President-elect said that Indonesia is taking concrete steps such as the downstream industries and taking sides with people who are experiencing difficulties in the world.

Prabowo visited the Palace to report on his visit to Jordan for the high-level conference "Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza" on June 10-13, 2024. Prabowo said Indonesia continues to make diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and is ready to provide humanitarian assistance.

In an article in Newsweek Magazine, Prabowo said there would be a special focus on Africa during his administration. Prabowo said Indonesia and Africa can support each other, share experiences, and build synergies and partnerships.

"Africa is a continent close to my heart and today, just like Indonesia, (it is) a land of opportunity," said Prabowo.

The 1955 Asia-Africa Conference (KAA) in Bandung was the initial process that birthed the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). NAM was formed through the First Summit in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, on September 1-6, 1961.

NAM occupies a special position in Indonesian foreign policy due to the country’s central role in its formation. Amid competition between the United States and the Soviet Union at the time, NAM was more active in political issues, such as support for the right to self-determination, national independence, sovereignty, and national integrity of its member countries.

“I have big plans for the country I love, but I do not see Indonesia's development as a zero-sum-game competition with the rest of the world. We are open," said Prabowo in a Newsweek article published on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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