Prabowo Lays Out Indonesia Foreign Policy Direction in Dialogue With Senior Diplomats

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto convenes a closed-door dialogue with former foreign ministers, former deputy foreign ministers, senior diplomats, academics, and lawmakers on Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026 at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta to explain Indonesia foreign policy direction as global geopolitical tensions intensify.

The meeting involves Foreign Minister Sugiono and members of Commission I of the House of Representatives, and serves as a forum for the president to outline policy priorities and gather strategic input from the foreign policy community.

Sugiono says the session is designed to clarify that foreign policy authority rests with the president while remaining open to constructive discussion.

“This meeting is intended to explain, discuss, and convey the direction of Indonesia foreign policy, where the president as head of state and government holds full sovereignty in determining policy,” Sugiono says.

He adds that the exchange unfolds in a two-way format, with participants offering perspectives that largely reinforce the government’s existing strategic considerations.

“There was no pro and contra, only different perspectives discussed within the same framework, which in the end strengthened one another,” Sugiono says.

A central topic in the discussion is Indonesia’s involvement in the Board of Peace and its diplomatic approach to the Palestinian conflict, an issue that has drawn public debate.

Former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal describes Prabowo’s stance as realistic given the limited diplomatic options currently available.

“My impression is that President Prabowo has a realistic approach. At this moment, the only option on the table is the Board of Peace, there is no other,” Dino says.

He emphasizes that the initiative is not a guaranteed solution and carries geopolitical risks, but notes that Prabowo fully understands those uncertainties.

“This is an experiment, not a miracle cure, and I see that he is realistic about that,” Dino says.

Dino also highlights Prabowo’s insistence on maintaining solidarity with Muslim-majority countries and preserving Indonesia’s right to withdraw if national principles are compromised.

“The most important thing is that we enter cautiously and retain the option to exit if this contradicts our principles and interests,” he says.

Former Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda underscores that Indonesia’s decision to engage with the Board of Peace follows extensive consultations with Muslim-majority countries.

“We joined after two rounds of consultations among Muslim-majority or Islamic countries,” Hassan says.

He explains that these countries can act as a balancing force to ensure humanitarian objectives remain central, even outside formal United Nations frameworks.

“There are processes outside the UN system and they should not be viewed negatively, as long as they deliver results,” Hassan says.

Hassan adds that Indonesia retains full sovereignty to reassess its participation depending on whether the process genuinely supports the Palestinian people.

“We have the sovereign right to decide whether to continue or not, based on whether it aligns with our true intention to help Palestinians,” he says.

Another former foreign minister, Alwi Shihab, reiterates that Indonesia’s commitment to a two-state solution remains unchanged.

“Indonesia has never abandoned the struggle for Palestine and continues to uphold the two-state solution as a non-negotiable principle,” Alwi says.

Senior diplomat Jusuf Wanandi praises Prabowo for addressing sensitive issues comprehensively and opening space for candid dialogue.

“This is an opportunity created by the president that we should appreciate and use wisely,” Jusuf says.

Sugiono says similar forums will be institutionalized to align perspectives and maintain coherence in Indonesia’s foreign policy direction.

“These meetings will become a routine agenda to achieve shared understanding on the direction and policies of the government led by the president,” he says.