President Prabowo Concludes Landmark Four-Nation Diplomatic Tour

President Prabowo Concludes Extensive Diplomatic Engagements

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto successfully concluded a pivotal four-nation diplomatic tour on September 27, 2025, reinforcing Indonesia's global standing and securing substantial international cooperation. The week-long itinerary, which commenced on September 19, 2025, included stops in Japan, the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands, yielding significant outcomes in economic, political, and cultural spheres.

UN General Assembly and Global Diplomacy

A central component of President Prabowo's tour was his attendance at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. On September 23, 2025, he delivered his debut speech, addressing critical global issues such as food security, highlighting Indonesia's achievements in rice self-sufficiency, and advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya noted that President Prabowo's address received appreciation from world leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly calling to express his regard. During his time in the U.S., President Prabowo also met with Microsoft founder Bill Gates, awarding him the Order of Distinguished Stars for his contributions to Indonesia.

Economic Partnerships and Investment Pledges

The tour generated substantial economic benefits for Indonesia. In Japan, President Prabowo visited the Indonesian Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, where Indonesia secured an impressive US$23.8 billion in investment commitments. These pledges, expected to be realized by 2026, are anticipated to significantly contribute to Indonesia's national development.

In Canada, President Prabowo met with Governor General Mary Simon and Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa on September 24, 2025. The visit culminated in the signing of the landmark Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA). This agreement is set to eliminate tariffs on over 90 percent of Indonesian goods, with Canada committing to ease 90.5 percent of tariffs on Indonesian products, while Indonesia will liberalize 85.8 percent of its tariff lines. A defense memorandum of understanding was also signed, aiming to deepen collaboration in military training, maritime security, cyber defense, and peacekeeping.

Cultural Restitution and Bilateral Ties

The final leg of the tour in the Netherlands saw President Prabowo received by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague on September 26, 2025. A significant outcome of this meeting was the Dutch government's commitment to return 30,000 historical Javanese artifacts to Indonesia. These artifacts include the historically significant Dubois Collection, which contains fossils like the 'Java Man' (Homo erectus), excavated during the colonial era. This act of restitution was described by President Prabowo as a 'meaningful gesture of goodwill'. During his visit, President Prabowo also paid respects at the graves of his grandparents in The Hague.

Conclusion

Upon his return to Halim Perdanakusumah Air Force Base in Jakarta on September 27, 2025, President Prabowo characterized the trip as 'productive', emphasizing the warm receptions and the positive international response to Indonesia's messages. The tour underscored Indonesia's proactive engagement in global affairs, securing vital economic partnerships and advancing cultural diplomacy.