Analysis: Indonesian presidential frontrunner Prabowo strikes China-friendly tone, but knows Jakarta still needs Washington

JAKARTA: Presidential frontrunner Prabowo Subianto struck a China-friendly tone at a forum this week, even as he affirmed Indonesia would remain non-aligned in its foreign policy and not join any power blocs should he win next year’s election.

Speaking on foreign policy at an event organised by the think tank Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Monday (Nov 13), Mr Prabowo acknowledged China's success in eradicating poverty in just a few decades. 

Indonesia has always looked to the West for its many successes, he said.

But given China’s achievements, Indonesia could also emulate the East Asian country, he said. 

“Some, we can emulate – maybe their commitment against corruption, their focus on education, their strong discipline, their strong national pride. These we admire,” the 72-year-old presidential candidate, who is Defence Minister, told an audience of diplomats, academics and journalists.

“I do admire and acknowledge the success of the Chinese leaders in nearly eradicating poverty. The Chinese leaders achieved something very rare in human history.

“They lifted 700 million people out of poverty in one generation, in 40 years. That is a real achievement,” he said.

“But it does not mean that we can copy their methods. Maybe their methods are not in tune with our culture. So, we have to adjust,” he noted.  

Mr Prabowo was the third presidential candidate to outline his foreign policy at CSIS forums in the past week, after rivals Mr Ganjar Pranowo and Mr Anies Baswedan spoke last week.

Indonesians will head to the polls on Feb 14 next year, and candidates will begin campaigning on Nov 28.