Prabowo Subianto’s Shifting Alliances and Indonesia’s Police Reform Dilemma
President Prabowo Subianto’s foreign policy pivot towards the United States, coupled with domestic concerns regarding police brutality and stalled reform efforts, is raising questions about Indonesia’s sovereignty and the well-being of its citizens. From joining a U.S.-led Board of Peace to signing a reciprocal trade agreement, Jakarta is increasingly aligning with Washington, a move met with growing unease within Indonesia.
A Closer Relationship with the U.S.
President Prabowo Subianto and U.S. President Donald Trump met at the International Congress Centre in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 13, 2025. This meeting, and the subsequent Agreement on Reciprocal Trade signed on February 19, 2026, signal a clear shift in Indonesia’s foreign policy. Previously, Prabowo framed his diplomacy as rooted in resilience, autonomy, and national interests. Though, recent actions suggest a willingness to align with Trump’s agenda, potentially at the expense of Indonesia’s bargaining power.
This closer relationship comes after a decade-long ban on Prabowo entering the U.S., lifted in 2020 when he served as Indonesian Defence Minister during Trump’s first term. The lifting of the ban drew criticism from human rights groups like Amnesty International and U.S. Lawmakers, including Senator Patrick Leahy, who cited alleged human rights violations.
Concerns Over Police Brutality and Lack of Reform
While Prabowo focuses on international relations, domestic issues, particularly within the Indonesian National Police, remain unresolved. The Police Reform Commission, established in response to protests in August 2025 – during which a Brimob team injured protestors – has yet to issue recommendations, despite missing its deadline. The Commission Chair has cited a need to wait for the “right time,” a delay seemingly facilitated by the President’s busy schedule.
Recent incidents of police brutality have highlighted the urgency of reform. In February, a member of the Maluku Regional Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) allegedly struck a 14-year-old boy, Arianto Tawakal, to death with a helmet in Tual, following an accusation of speeding. This incident underscores a pattern of excessive force and the misuse of Brimob units, which are intended for handling riots, terrorism, and organized crime, not routine civilian matters.
The actions of the officer, Second Brig. Mesias Victoria Siahaya, are indicative of a broader institutional problem. For too long, the National Police Headquarters has deployed the Mobile Brigade for civilian matters outside its jurisdiction, fostering a sense of entitlement and impunity among officers.
Prabowo’s Approach to Police Reform
President Prabowo’s approach to police reform has been questioned. Instead of replacing National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo to demonstrate decisive leadership, he awarded him the Bintang Mahaputera medal, potentially reinforcing existing issues within the force.
Addressing problems like the death of Arianto in Tual, police involvement in drug networks, and corruption among high-ranking officials requires a comprehensive overhaul of the police force, encompassing recruitment, structure, and mindset.
Indonesia’s Commitment to Palestinian Aid
On March 6, 2026, President Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia will withdraw from U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” if the board does not benefit Palestinians. This decision underscores Indonesia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and its willingness to prioritize the interests of Palestinians even when navigating complex international relationships.
Looking Ahead
Indonesia faces a critical juncture. Balancing its growing relationship with the U.S. With its commitment to national interests and domestic reforms will be crucial. Addressing the issues within the police force and ensuring accountability are essential steps towards building a more just and secure society. The delayed recommendations from the Police Reform Commission must be prioritized, and decisive action taken to address the systemic problems plaguing the Indonesian National Police.