“I travel on overseas visits to protect my people. Protect what? Jobs,” Prabowo said, according to a post by the Ministry of State Secretariat on Instagram on Thursday.
He said that while cabinet ministers handle a wide range of strategic issues, his personal presence is sometimes required to secure critical agreements with foreign partners.
“Of course, the ministers do the work, but in the end, I have to come. There are important matters that must be dealt with directly,” he added.
Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia must build strong bargaining power in its international engagements to defend national interests amid shifting global dynamics.
“In every relationship, there must be a strong bargaining position. That is what we are currently working on,” he said.
The president is set to embark on another round of overseas visits in the coming days.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing visits to Japan from March 29 to 31 and South Korea from March 31 to April 2.
According to Japan’s foreign ministry, Prabowo will attend a state luncheon hosted by the emperor and hold talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
In South Korea, Prabowo is scheduled to meet President Lee Jae Myung to discuss bilateral ties, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Yonhap reported that discussions will cover trade, investment, defense, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, shipbuilding, nuclear energy, energy transition and cultural cooperation.
The two leaders are also expected to explore ways to strengthen ties between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and South Korea.
Related news: Japan supports Prabowo's energy self-sufficiency program through AZEC
Translator: Fathur, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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