Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya has dismissed allegations that President Prabowo Subianto’s frequent overseas trips are merely for show. Instead, Teddy emphasized that these state visits represent a form of active diplomacy designed to deliver tangible results for Indonesia.
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Teddy’s remarks were a direct response to criticism from former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal, who questioned the necessity of the President’s international travel. “It is a grave misunderstanding to label these visits as purely ceremonial vanity. We must examine what has actually been achieved over the past year and a half,” Teddy stated in a video release on Monday, June 1, 2026.
To illustrate the efficacy of President Prabowo’s administration, Teddy highlighted several key diplomatic milestones reached during his 19-month tenure. The first major achievement is Indonesia’s accession to the BRICS group. Originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the bloc has expanded to include nations such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. According to Teddy, this membership provides a vital shield against global economic uncertainty, ensuring the stability of national energy and food supplies. “Amidst global crises, our national situation remains secure. Fuel stocks are stable, subsidized fuel prices remain unchanged, and food supplies are guaranteed,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Teddy highlighted a landmark trade agreement with the European Union, which secures a 0 percent tariff for various Indonesian products. He noted that while negotiations had been ongoing for over a decade, the deal was finally finalized under President Prabowo’s leadership in 2025. Additionally, Teddy reported that Indonesia has attracted approximately IDR 2,430 trillion in investment over the last 18 months, citing data from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). He also pointed to recent visits to Japan and South Korea in early 2026, which yielded an additional investment commitment of IDR 575 trillion.
Beyond economic gains, Teddy underscored progress in the defense sector, noting that Indonesia has strengthened its military capabilities through strategic partnerships with nations including France, the United States, Russia, China, and the United Kingdom. He also pointed to the successful management of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2025 and 2026, noting that Indonesia is the only country with its own dedicated Hajj village in Saudi Arabia—a result of Saudi authorities amending their laws to allow foreign ownership of such facilities.
The administration’s diplomatic reach also extends to humanitarian efforts, particularly regarding Palestine. Teddy cited the successful delivery of logistics via air—a complex feat requiring extensive diplomatic clearance from countries along the flight path—as well as the deployment of a hospital ship and the provision of scholarships for Palestinian students. Finally, Teddy highlighted the government’s successful efforts to secure the release of Indonesian citizens detained by the Israeli military in international waters. He credited Foreign Minister Sugiono and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their swift intervention, which allowed the citizens to return home safely within days.
Concluding his statement, Teddy reiterated that while the government welcomes constructive input, it is essential to recognize the objective facts of the administration’s achievements. “We remain open to feedback, but we must not allow the facts regarding our accomplishments to be obscured,” he concluded.
Summary
Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya has defended President Prabowo Subianto’s frequent overseas trips, refuting claims that they are merely ceremonial. Teddy emphasized that these diplomatic missions have yielded significant results, including Indonesia’s accession to BRICS, a landmark trade agreement with the European Union, and the attraction of substantial foreign investments totaling over IDR 2,430 trillion. He argued that these international engagements are vital for securing national economic stability, food supplies, and energy security.
Beyond economic milestones, the administration has strengthened defense capabilities through strategic global partnerships and improved the management of the Hajj pilgrimage. Teddy also highlighted successful humanitarian initiatives, such as providing logistical support to Palestine and securing the safe return of Indonesian citizens detained in international waters. He concluded by urging the public to acknowledge these objective achievements while maintaining the government’s openness to constructive feedback.