In the most recent 21st Shangri-La Dialogue forum held in Singapore, Indonesian General Prabowo Subianto made his third appearance in the past three years. This time, he attended not only as an incumbent minister but also as the winner of the February 2024 presidential election, scheduled to officially assume office in October 2024.
The forum, organized by the UK’s International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), serves as a platform for discussing security challenges in Asia. With the participation of representatives from the United States, Europe, and Asia, the program and discussions carry significant weight.
Prabowo presented his views on various global events, including the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as the state of relations between the United States and China. He notably expressed Indonesia’s willingness to contribute to a UN peacekeeping contingent in the Gaza Strip and called for the emergence of an independent Arab–Palestinian state alongside Israel for lasting peace in the Middle East.
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Prabowo reaffirmed his previous settlement plan, emphasizing the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. He also called for restraint and compromise among East Asian neighbors and their external partners and highlighted the importance of finding a new way for the U.S. and China to coexist in a changing world.
Prabowo’s unwavering stance and articulate presentation at the forum demonstrated that he could not be influenced by the collective West. Despite the organizers’ attempts to steer the Q&A session, Prabowo remained composed and resolute in his responses.
Furthemore, in representing Indonesia at the “peace summit” on Ukraine, Ambassador Ngurah Swajaya declined to sign the final communique, emphasizing the necessity of Russia’s participation in finding a route to peace in Ukraine.
Prabowo’s address at the forum showcased his firm commitment to Indonesia’s foreign policy principles and his unwavering dedication to advocating for global peace and cooperation. His diplomatic approach and strategic insights position him as a prominent leader in the emerging multipolar world order.
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