TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has rejected criticism that President Prabowo Subianto’s frequent overseas trips are merely symbolic efforts to project an international image, arguing instead that the visits have delivered tangible diplomatic and economic benefits for Indonesia.

Teddy’s remarks were made in response to comments by former deputy foreign minister Dino Patti Djalal, who questioned the effectiveness of Prabowo’s extensive foreign travel. Speaking in a video statement on Monday, June 1, 2026, Teddy said it was misleading to characterize the visits as ceremonial.

“It is a big mistake to say these trips are merely for show. We need to look at what has been achieved over the past one and a half years,” Teddy said.

He highlighted several accomplishments that he attributed to Prabowo’s diplomatic engagements during his 19 months in office.

One of the key achievements, Teddy said, was Indonesia’s accession to BRICS, the bloc of major emerging economies originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group has since expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

According to Teddy, BRICS membership has helped Indonesia navigate global uncertainty by strengthening access to energy and food supplies.

“Amid global conflicts and crises, Indonesia’s condition remains secure. Fuel stocks are sufficient, subsidized fuel prices have not increased, and food supplies remain stable,” he said.

Teddy also pointed to the trade agreement between Indonesia and the European Union, which he said will allow a range of Indonesian products to enter the European market with zero tariffs. He noted that negotiations had lasted for decades before reaching a breakthrough during Prabowo’s administration in 2025.

“This agreement had been discussed for decades, but it was concluded during President Prabowo’s tenure,” he said.

On investment, Teddy cited data from Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), claiming that investment inflows reached approximately Rp2,430 trillion during the past 18 months. He added that Prabowo’s visits to Japan and South Korea between late March and early April 2026 generated additional investment commitments worth around Rp575 trillion.

In the defense sector, Teddy said Indonesia had strengthened its military capabilities through expanded cooperation with several countries, including France, the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and other European partners.

He also highlighted what he described as the successful management of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2025 and 2026. Teddy noted that Indonesia had secured approval for the development of a Hajj village in Saudi Arabia, a move he said was made possible after Saudi authorities amended regulations allowing foreign countries to own land designated for Hajj services.

Teddy further cited Indonesia’s support for Palestinian statehood as another outcome of Prabowo’s diplomatic efforts. He pointed to humanitarian assistance delivered by air, saying such operations required extensive diplomatic coordination with countries whose airspace was used during the missions.

Additional support included the deployment of a hospital ship and scholarship programs for Palestinian students to study in Indonesia.

He also credited Foreign Minister Sugiono and the Foreign Ministry for securing the release of Indonesian citizens who were briefly detained by the Israeli military in international waters, enabling them to return home within days.

Concluding his remarks, Teddy said the government welcomed criticism and public input but urged observers to acknowledge what he described as the administration’s achievements.

“We are open to various suggestions and criticisms. But we should not ignore the facts and the achievements that have been made,” he said.

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