Prabowo’s Saudi visit: Key takeaways

President Prabowo Subianto has just concluded his first state visit to Saudi Arabia since taking office in October 2024. Over three days in Riyadh, he unveiled a headline-grabbing $27 billion in investment deals—an impressive figure, but one that means little unless those commitments translate into real, on-the-ground progress. The trip followed an earlier tour of the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt in April, signaling Indonesia’s intent to deepen ties across the Middle East. Yet by saving Saudi Arabia—the region’s pivotal player—for last, Jakarta raised some eyebrows. Riyadh wasn’t just another stop; it should have been the cornerstone of Prabowo’s outreach. Arriving late gave the impression that Indonesia was slightly out of step with the region’s power dynamics. Now, it must play […]