JAKARTA - Indonesia’s new leader has hailed the “immense potential” of relations with US President-elect Donald Trump, whose first administration dropped a visa ban imposed on the former general over alleged rights abuses.

       Mr Prabowo Subianto was inaugurated in October and committed himself to a longstanding neutral foreign policy that has allowed Indonesia to maintain ties with the US while reaping large investments from China.

       “Indonesia and the United States are strategic partners who share a robust and multifaceted relationship,” he wrote on social media platform X late on Nov 6.

       “Our strategic partnership holds immense potential for mutual benefit, and I look forward to collaborating closely with you and your administration to further enhance this partnership and for global peace and stability.”

       The 73-year-old was once barred from the US over rights abuses he allegedly committed under dictator Suharto in the late 1990s.

       But the Trump administration dropped him from a visa blacklist and invited him to Washington when he was serving as defence minister in 2020.

       Mr Prabowo is accused of ordering the abduction of democracy activists, some of whom were never found, but has denied any wrongdoing.

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       The fiery nationalist said on Nov 6 that he had an invitation for “an official visit to the United States” as he prepares to embark on his first foreign tour, beginning on Nov 8 in China, where he will hold talks with President Xi Jinping.

       He did not confirm the dates of the US visit, or if he would meet President Joe Biden or Trump. AFP