PRABOWO REAFFIRMS INDONESIA'S FREE AND ACTIVE, NON-ALIGNED FOREIGN POLICY

JAKARTA, March 10 (Bernama) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to its free and active foreign policy, stressing that Jakarta will remain non-aligned while maintaining relations with all major powers amid rising global geopolitical tensions.

He said the increasingly volatile global environment, including conflicts in West Asia, highlights the importance of maintaining Indonesia’s long-standing foreign policy approach.

He said Indonesia continues to respect all countries and global powers while maintaining relations with various parties without taking sides in international conflicts.

“We respect all powers, we respect all countries. That is Indonesia. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) at home, and externally, we also respect all nations, respect all religions, respect all races, and respect all ethnic groups,” he said in a live broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Monday.

Although geographically distant from major conflict zones, Prabowo said Indonesia would still feel the impact as the world becomes increasingly interconnected. 

He said rising geopolitical tensions could also pose economic and political challenges for the country.

Despite the uncertainties, he expressed confidence that Indonesia has the resilience to face global instability, citing national unity and social cohesion as key strengths.

“We face difficulties with the determination to overcome them. We do not hide from difficulties, nor do we pretend they do not exist,” he said.

On Monday, Prabowo inaugurated 218 bridges built in several regions, including disaster-affected areas such as Aceh, while praising the swift work of the Indonesian National Armed Forces in completing the construction.

The projects comprised 77 Bailey bridges, 59 Armco bridges and 82 pioneer bridges, which were completed in about two and a half months.

“Some parties want to build grand monuments, construct skyscrapers and luxurious buildings. No, the government I lead is proud that we address the difficulties of our people at the smallest level, those living the furthest away and in the most remote areas,” he said.

-- BERNAMA