Sultan Abdurrahman, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto addressed his frequent overseas trips, saying they are aimed at anticipating global oil price fluctuations.

The Gerindra Party chairman raised the issue during a working meeting with ministries, agencies, and state-owned enterprises, where he also outlined the responsibilities of the presidency.

According to Prabowo, a head of state has a responsibility to meet various development targets, which he stated is not an easy task. "So, my friends, do not consider standing here an easy job," said Prabowo from the podium at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Prabowo conveyed that those who aspire to become president must be prepared to face this reality. "For those who want to be president, congratulations, really. I've already become one, so I have to work hard. I have no days off," he said, having contested in the presidential elections four times before being elected.

Prabowo then addressed the assessments made by others, which he deemed different from the reality. "It's said that Prabowo travels abroad. My friends, for oil security, we have to go everywhere," he stated.

Prabowo cited his last overseas visit to Japan at the end of March 2026. During that visit, Prabowo also sought various investment cooperation for Indonesia.

Prabowo stated that he would travel abroad again in the near future, but he refused to disclose the next destination. He claimed that the planned official trips also aim to secure Indonesia's interests.

Since being inaugurated as president in October 2024, or after a year and a half in office, Prabowo has visited abroad at least 35 times. Most recently, he visited Japan and South Korea at the end of March and the beginning of April 2026.

In the working meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, Prabowo invited all ministers, deputy ministers, heads and deputy heads of agencies, and first echelon officials. Hundreds of officials came to the Presidential Palace to listen to Prabowo's briefing, followed by a closed meeting.

In addition to discussing official trips abroad, Prabowo also touched on various other issues during his briefing. The topics he covered included conflicts in the Middle East, energy crises and global oil price fluctuations, and addressing some of his critics as groups unwilling to cooperate.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2097196/prabowo-defends-frequent-overseas-visits-for-energy-securit