Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto will not be attending the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa, a decision prompted by a demanding domestic governmental agenda. In his stead, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has been officially appointed to represent Indonesia at the prestigious international gathering. This key information was confirmed by Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya, who clarified that the G20 Summit’s schedule in South Africa, set for November 22-23, directly conflicts with several crucial presidential commitments at home.
Further underscoring the President’s prior engagements, Prabowo Subianto also dispatched Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus, the Deputy Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, as a special presidential envoy. His mission was to personally meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and formally present a letter requesting President Prabowo’s unavoidable absence from the summit.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka officially commenced his diplomatic mission on Friday, November 21. Accompanied by his delegation, he departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta aboard the presidential aircraft. Taking off around 09:30 AM Western Indonesia Time (WIB), the Vice President is now en route to Johannesburg, South Africa, ready to fulfill his significant assignment at the G20 Summit.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka before his departure to South Africa from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, Friday (November 21). (Press, Media, and Information Bureau of the Vice President’s Secretariat)
According to a written statement released by the Press, Media, and Information Bureau of the Vice President’s Secretariat on Friday, November 21, Vice President Gibran’s participation in this high-profile G20 Summit serves to unequivocally reaffirm Indonesia’s steadfast commitment. The nation aims to play an active and constructive role in fostering global economic recovery and fortifying international cooperation. During the forum, held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Gibran is slated to deliver a pivotal speech on behalf of President Prabowo, articulating Indonesia’s stance on critical global issues.
Beyond the main plenary sessions, the Vice President’s itinerary also includes a series of strategic bilateral meetings. These engagements with leaders from friendly nations are crucial opportunities for Gibran to convey President Prabowo’s key messages, particularly those aimed at enhancing and solidifying diplomatic relations and collaborative partnerships between Indonesia and its international counterparts.
Summary
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto will not attend the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa due to demanding domestic commitments. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has been officially appointed to represent Indonesia at the prestigious international gathering. This decision was confirmed by Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya, and President Prabowo also dispatched an envoy to formally present a letter requesting his unavoidable absence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka departed for Johannesburg on November 21 to commence his diplomatic mission. His participation unequivocally reaffirms Indonesia’s steadfast commitment to fostering global economic recovery and fortifying international cooperation. During the forum, Gibran is slated to deliver a pivotal speech on behalf of President Prabowo and will engage in strategic bilateral meetings with leaders from friendly nations.
