Teddy Explains Why Prabowo's Frequent Foreign Trips Are Essential

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya responded to criticism that President Prabowo Subianto’s overseas visits are spontaneous, poorly planned, and lacking clear coordination. The remarks were previously made by former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal.

Teddy said the President’s foreign travel agenda is prepared both on a long-term and short-notice basis, depending on global and domestic developments. Some visits are scheduled up to a year in advance, while others are arranged urgently in response to evolving international conditions.

“The global situation is very dynamic on a day-to-day basis. There are annual schedules, and there are also urgent schedules that must be adjusted according to national needs, both domestically and internationally,” Teddy said in a video statement on Monday, June 1, 2026.

In the 6-minute 44-second video, Teddy also dismissed suggestions that President Prabowo’s foreign trips are intended to project strength or prestige. He said the visits are part of active diplomacy that has produced concrete outcomes.

Teddy added that Prabowo’s engagements abroad also aim to build closer personal relations with world leaders at a time of heightened global uncertainty.

“The President is a new leader who took office amid global crises. There are conflicts in Ukraine, Venezuela, and now in Iran and the Middle East, involving countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates,” he said.

He stressed that maintaining close ties among leaders is essential in international relations.

“We cannot simply rely on asking for help when a crisis occurs. We must build strong relationships in advance,” Teddy said.

Separately, Dino Patti Djalal, founder of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), criticized the frequency of President Prabowo’s overseas visits, saying the President reportedly spends about one in every six days abroad.

Dino said such frequency is unusual and warned that international travel should be more carefully planned. He also suggested that the President’s broader foreign travel agenda be mapped out at least a year in advance.

He further proposed that presidential visits be announced earlier to improve transparency and coordination.

Dino cited examples of visits that he described as unannounced, including trips to Pakistan and Russia during the period of major flooding in Sumatra.

He argued that greater transparency and accountability are needed, noting that the public is often unaware of the President’s whereabouts during foreign visits.

Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to the writing of this article.

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