Commentary: Prabowo wants a global role for Indonesia - and for himself

Although Mr Prabowo - who took on the top job just nine months ago - later managed to negotiate the tariff down to 19 per cent, describing it as the result of a “tough negotiation” during a phone call with Mr Trump, the episode cast a pall over his broader efforts to elevate Indonesia’s foreign policy as a hallmark of his presidency. Indonesia’s accession to BRICS in January marked a turn towards a more assertive foreign policy, a clear departure from Mr Prabowo’s predecessor, Joko Widodo, who had prioritised domestic issues. Ahead of the BRICS summit, the Indonesian foreign ministry had described Mr Prabowo’s intent as positioning Indonesia as a "bridge-builder" amid growing global uncertainties.