Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Gerindra spokesperson Bahtra Banong responded to former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal's criticism of President Prabowo Subianto's frequent foreign trips.
Teddy explained the trips aim to build close ties with world leaders amid global crises such as in Ukraine and the Middle East. He stated extra costs are covered personally by Prabowo and the delegation size was cut to 50-60 people from over 120 previously.
Bahtra affirmed the visits carry state missions and produced agreements worth 3.5 billion US dollars from the May 2026 France trip. He added that head-of-state diplomacy requires direct meetings.
Teddy welcomed Dino's input but asked that criticism not obscure achieved results. Dino served as deputy foreign minister for about three months in 2014.
