Indonesia Reaffirms ‘Free and Active’ Foreign Policy, Vows to Support Global Peace

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed that Indonesia will continue to pursue an independent and active foreign policy, emphasizing the country’s commitment to determining its own national interests while contributing actively to global peace.

Addressing the 11th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Russia, on Thursday as the main guest of honor, Prabowo said Indonesia’s foreign policy would remain guided by the principle of being “free and active.”

“Indonesia’s foreign policy is free and active. We determine our own national interests, and we want to contribute actively to peace,” the President said.

Prabowo stressed that Indonesia does not seek membership in military alliances but is open to strengthening economic partnerships with countries and regional groupings.

He cited Indonesia’s Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as an example of economic cooperation designed to promote shared prosperity rather than confront or oppose any country.

“Indonesia works with the East, West, North, and South as a sovereign and equal partner,” he said.

The Indonesian President underscored Jakarta’s commitment to building friendships and avoiding confrontation, stressing that Indonesia views broad international cooperation as essential to advancing peace and development.

“For us, a thousand friends are too few, and one enemy is too many,” he said.

Prabowo recalled that Indonesia participated in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) last year as part of its efforts to strengthen international partnerships. He said Indonesia’s participation in the EEF demonstrates its intention to turn those relationships into practical and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Addressing the role of developing countries in global affairs, Prabowo said the Global South should not be regarded as a new geopolitical bloc. Instead, he described it as a group of countries advocating justice, a fair distribution of prosperity and a more equitable voice in the formulation of global rules.

The President also reaffirmed Indonesia’s readiness to support genuine international efforts aimed at resolving conflicts and achieving sustainable peace.

“Our position is clear and consistent. Indonesia is ready to support any sincere effort toward a just and lasting peace wherever conflict remains,” he said.

Prabowo linked peace directly to economic and social development, warning that hunger, unemployment, injustice and humiliation can contribute to instability and conflict.

He said creating economic opportunities, ensuring food security and maintaining open trade across the Asia-Pacific region represent practical and sustainable contributions to international peace.

The Indonesian leader emphasized that national sovereignty, peace and development are closely interconnected.

“Sovereignty enables peace. Peace enables development. And development that benefits the people ensures that peace endures,” Prabowo said.

His remarks at the Eastern Economic Forum underscored Indonesia’s approach of maintaining strategic autonomy while expanding economic cooperation across geographical and political boundaries, with a particular focus on prosperity, stability and a rules-based international environment.