Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is deeply invested in areas of his interest but the policies that fall outside are unlikely to get much of a look-in, says this journalist who covers Southeast Asia politics.

Philippines and Indonesia arming themselves with advanced supersonic missiles like India's BrahMoS is a worrying development for China, especially for its energy trade, around 80 percent of which passes through the strategic Malacca Strait,

India is trying hard to erase Indonesia's wariness about New Delhi, building security cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. If Indonesia decides to buy the Brahmos missile, it would further strengthen relations between the world's most populous nation and the most populous Islamic country.

The planned trip, which follows visits to China and the United States late last year, underscores Prabowo’s focus on major power diplomacy over regional engagement.

All stakeholders need to brace themselves for the consequences that may arise from Prabowo's foreign diplomacy surprises, Prabowo says.

Japan and Indonesia agreed to enhance cooperation on maritime security with an eye on China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea over territorial claims.

President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday hosted Shigeru Ishiba at the presidential palace in Bogor on the outskirts of Jakarta as part of a visit by the Japanese prime minister to Southeast Asia's largest economy. Both leaders took office last October and this was their first summit meeting together.

Prabowo will be a guest during events for India's Republic Day and is expected to witness the signing of several agreements on health, education, security and the maritime sector, the ministry said.

Last year was significant for energy and climate developments in China. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions growth hovered close to 2023 levels throughout the year, raising the possibility of China’s CO2 emissions peaking before 2030.

Dr Taizo Miyagi of Chuo University told The Straits Times that while the relationship that Japan has built with Asean since the end of World War II has been a “great asset for its diplomacy”, Japan’s presence in the region has inevitably weakened relative to China’s.

President Prabowo Subianto had an unexpected reunion with American action star Steven Seagal during the actor's visit to Indonesia.