Trump Recognizes Prabowo’s Peace Diplomacy and Indonesia’s Independent Rise

By Teguh Anantawikrama
Vice Chairman, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Indonesia)

UKMDANBURSA.COM – When U.S. President Donald J. Trump publicly thanked President Prabowo Subianto during the ASEAN–U.S. Summit 2025, it was more than a diplomatic courtesy. It was a strategic acknowledgment — a moment when the world’s most powerful nation recognized Indonesia’s growing role as a global force for peace, stability, and balance.

President Trump stated: “I thank President Prabowo of Indonesia for his incredible support of the efforts to secure a new day for the Middle East. It really is a new day. There has never been a period of time like this. The Middle East will have peace after 3,000 years. This is a very strong peace — it’s gonna be an everlasting peace.”

This declaration was not just praise. It was recognition that Indonesia’s long-standing “Bebas dan Aktif” (Independent and Active) foreign policy is being realized in action — through leadership that bridges divides, mediates conflicts, and advances global harmony.

Read more:
The Need for Unfiltered Input and the Courage to Face Bitter Truths

From Doctrine to Action
For decades, Indonesia’s foreign policy has been guided by the principle of “Bebas dan Aktif” — independent in decision, active in contribution. It is a philosophy born from Indonesia’s conviction that true sovereignty means the freedom to act for peace, justice, and humanity — not alignment with any bloc or power.

Under President Prabowo’s leadership, this doctrine has evolved from theory into tangible global influence.
Indonesia is no longer content to watch from the sidelines of world affairs.

By supporting peace efforts in the Middle East — one of history’s most difficult geopolitical theaters — President Prabowo has proven that independence can coexist with active engagement. He has also shown that neutrality, when guided by moral clarity, can be a source of strength.

This is “Bebas dan Aktif” in its highest form — a diplomacy of contribution, not confrontation.


Recognition from a Superpower
When a U.S. President publicly credits an Indonesian President for shaping a new era of peace, it signals a profound shift in global perception. It means the world now sees Indonesia not merely as a large democracy in Southeast Asia, but as a credible middle power — a stabilizing influence between the Global North and South, between the Islamic world and the West.

President Trump’s words underscore that Indonesia’s diplomacy matters — not because it serves any single power’s agenda, but because it represents balance, humanity, and sincerity.

This acknowledgment elevates Indonesia’s position on the world stage. It affirms that a nation rooted in independence and integrity can earn respect through moral leadership and practical diplomacy.

Read more:
Indonesia Takes the Lead: From Observer to Guardian of World Peace


Indonesia’s Strategic Value
In a time when global politics is increasingly polarized, Indonesia stands out for its consistency. President Prabowo’s diplomacy — pragmatic yet principled — has given new meaning to Indonesia’s role as a voice of moderation and bridge of civilizations.

By engaging in global food security, sustainable energy, digital transformation, and now peace mediation, Indonesia is shaping an identity as a responsible and reliable power. Its influence lies not in coercion, but in credibility — not in dominance, but in dialogue.

This is how Indonesia shows that soft power, when backed by integrity, can rival the influence of mightier nations.

A Message to the World
President Trump’s acknowledgment carries a message beyond bilateral ties. It signals that the world needs middle powers like Indonesia — nations that can foster understanding, maintain equilibrium, and build trust across competing blocs.

In doing so, Indonesia demonstrates that “Bebas dan Aktif” remains timeless — not a relic of Cold War diplomacy, but a living framework for navigating the 21st century. It shows that a nation can stand tall without standing against anyone — that independence, when active and constructive, is the essence of true global leadership.

President Trump’s recognition is not only an honor for President Prabowo — it is an affirmation of Indonesia’s enduring values and international relevance. It validates that Indonesia’s moral compass — forged through independence, unity, and respect — continues to guide the world toward peace.

Under Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia has shown that being a middle power does not mean being in the middle of others’ games, but being at the center of solutions. Today, the world is watching Indonesia not as an observer, but as a partner in peace and progress.

And in this moment, every Indonesian has reason to say — with pride and conviction: We are proud to be Indonesians. ***