Cabinet Secretary: President Prabowo’s Overseas Trips Follow Established Procedures

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya on a press statement at Presidential Palace complex, on Tuesday (02/03)

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, on Tuesday (02/03) emphasized that information circulating about President Prabowo using two state aircrafts during overseas trips is incorrect. Teddy made the clarification statement to the media at Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta.

“There are some statements and questions about Mr President travelling with two state aircrafts during his overseas visits. I said that is not true, that is not correct,” said Cabinet Secretary.

He further explained that President Prabowo has travelled aboard a Boeing 777 aircraft operated by Garuda Indonesia for his long-haul overseas trips over the past year. Commitment to using the aircraft reflected both efficiency and pride in the national airline.

“Over the past year, President Prabowo’s long-haul overseas trips have only used one aircraft. And what is that? Our national airline, Garuda Indonesia Boeing 777,” he said.

The use of Garuda Indonesia airline showcases a world-class national airline owned by a great nation, he added. The presidential aircraft keeps its configuration and operates under standard commercial specifications—without any special presidential treatment.

“The Garuda 777 interior remains original. There have been no changes, no special presidential or VIP arrangements. It is still the same—that is basically it,” he explained.

Cabinet Secretary also stressed that the number of presidential assistants on official overseas visits has been increasingly limited. Only the main personnel accompanied the President as part of the budget efficiency policy and reorganization of travel protocols.

Regarding a backup aircraft, this is a standard procedure applied worldwide—in terms of security and safety of a head of state, he continued.

“A common practice around the world, a head of state will certainly have a backup aircraft. Not just aircraft—even official vehicles must come in pairs; there has to be a spare, a backup. And as you can see, where presidential motorcades used to be quite large, they are now limited to a maximum of eight vehicles, one of which serves as a reserve. Aircraft follows the same principle,” he explained.

 His statement affirmed that President Prabowo’s overseas trips are conducted in an efficient, orderly, effective, and professional manner, while continuing to prioritize safety considerations. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/AW)