Prabowo Announces Foreign Visit, Asks Cabinet to Reach Out for Urgent Matters

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto announced plans to embark on a series of foreign visits, commencing with China, followed by the United States, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Peru, the G20 Summit in Brazil, and the United Kingdom. He urged all members of the Merah Putih Cabinet to contact him directly if urgent matters arise during his absence.

Prabowo conveyed this directive during a Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Office in Jakarta on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. He emphasized the need to maintain policy direction while he is abroad.

‘If you’ve already communicated with the Coordinating Minister but still require further clarification from me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Feel free to contact me directly; I’m open to your calls,” he stated.

While acknowledging his role as a leader, the former commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command emphasized that he is part of the team. Thus, he urged ministers to maintain open communication channels.

“Let’s move beyond excessive protocol and feudalistic practices,” said the former son-in-law of President Soeharto. “Embrace technology. But of course,  sensitive matters should not be discussed over the phone. In this modern age, there are many ears wanting to listen.”

Prabowo is scheduled to visit Beijing, China, from November 8 to 10, 2024. The APEC Summit will take place from November 10 to 16, 2024, while the G20 Summit is slated for November 18 to 19, 2024 in Brazil.

In his cabinet meeting statement, Prabowo did not provide specific dates for his visits to the United States and the United Kingdom. He merely indicated the possibility of attending the G7 Summit.

“We have received an invitation. This means Indonesia’s honor is also considered worthy of being invited to the G7. I cannot ignore such opportunities, as they hold strategic value,” Prabowo explained.

As previously reported, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka will assume presidential duties during Prabowo’s absence. Head of the Presidential Communication Office Hasan Nasbi clarified that this is standard practice and emphasized that there is no such designation as “acting president“.

Editor’s Choice: Prabowo Removes Debt of 1 Million MSMEs, Reaching Rp10 Trillion

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News