Indonesia’s new leader, Prabowo Subianto, shared a video on his official social media channel showing a phone call in which he congratulated Donald Trump on his reelection.
In the nearly three-minute exchange, the former special forces officer repeatedly addressed Trump as “sir” and referenced his American “training.” Prabowo is presently in Washington for discussions with President Joe Biden.
In the video, Prabowo expressed a willingness to meet Trump in person, saying, “Wherever you are I’m willing to fly to congratulate you personally, sir.” Trump warmly responded, stating, “That’s so nice. We’ll do that anytime you want.”
Trump also praised Prabowo for his work in Indonesia, adding, “Your English is so good.” Prabowo responded, “All my training is American, sir,” referring to his military education in the United States during the 1980s.
It remains unknown whether Prabowo and Trump will meet in person during Prabowo’s visit to the US. Prabowo had previously been barred from the US in 1998 due to alleged human rights violations after the fall of Suharto, his former father-in-law, although this restriction was later removed.
Indonesia was once part of the US-led anti-Soviet alliance during the Cold War, a time when the Indonesian military conducted major anti-communist purges.
In recent years, however, Indonesia has pursued a policy of non-alignment, avoiding taking sides in international affairs. Despite this, the country’s rich natural resources, including the world’s largest nickel deposits, make it a valuable strategic interest for influence in Asia.
(CNN)
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