On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto began a significant diplomatic journey, landing in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), at approximately 06:40 local time. This visit marks the start of a series of state visits to five countries in the Middle East, including Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan.
Upon his arrival, Prabowo was seen wearing a cream-colored safari shirt and a black peci (cap), a traditional Indonesian headwear. He was accompanied by key officials, including Secretary of Cabinet Letkol Teddy Indra Wijaya and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono. The presidential entourage traveled in a white Mercedes-Benz S-Class Limousine, proudly displaying the Indonesian flag.
Prabowo's trip commenced earlier that day when the presidential plane PK-GRD took off from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta at 01:20 Jakarta time. With a three-hour time difference, the plane was scheduled to land in Abu Dhabi at 06:00 local time. This diplomatic mission is particularly significant as it aims to address various geopolitical and geo-economic issues.
In Abu Dhabi, the President is set to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During this meeting, they plan to exchange views on global developments, particularly focusing on the situation in Gaza and broader geopolitical dynamics.
"The first stop is Abu Dhabi, where I will meet with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to discuss the current geopolitical and geo-economic developments in the world," Prabowo stated during a press conference before his departure.
After his engagements in the UAE, Prabowo will continue his journey to Turkey, where he will conduct a state visit as a reciprocation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's earlier visit to Indonesia. The first city on this leg of the trip will be Ankara, followed by Antalya, where he will attend the Antalya Diplomatic Forum. There, he will discuss collaboration in various fields, including industry, trade, education, and culture.
Prabowo emphasized the importance of Indonesia's relationship with Turkey, stating, "We have a broad and comprehensive relationship with Turkey." This sentiment highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
Following his visit to Turkey, Prabowo is scheduled to fly to Cairo, Egypt, on April 12, 2025. In Cairo, he will meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to discuss mutual interests and regional stability.
From Egypt, the President will travel to Doha, Qatar, to finalize strategic agreements between Qatar and Indonesia, including signing various important treaties. This visit underscores Indonesia's commitment to enhancing its diplomatic and economic relations in the region.
Finally, Prabowo's Middle Eastern tour will conclude with a visit to Amman, Jordan, where he will meet King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein for further consultations.
During this diplomatic journey, Prabowo is accompanied by a limited delegation, including Foreign Minister Sugiono and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. Notably, several other ministers have already traveled to the respective countries to join him for specific meetings.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka was present to see off the President at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base. Other notable figures in attendance included Deputy Speaker of the DPR Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Minister of State Prasetyo Hadi, and military and police leaders, showcasing the importance of this diplomatic mission.
This series of state visits not only aims to strengthen Indonesia's diplomatic ties but also to address pressing global issues, particularly those affecting the Middle East. As Prabowo embarks on this journey, the outcomes of these discussions could have significant implications for Indonesia's foreign policy and its role in international affairs.
In summary, President Prabowo Subianto's diplomatic tour through the Middle East is an essential step in fostering international relations and addressing geopolitical challenges. His meetings with various leaders will likely influence Indonesia's stance on critical global issues and enhance cooperation in several strategic areas.
