RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives’ Commission II, Bahtra Banong, praised the leadership style of Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, saying he has delivered tangible results amid mounting global geopolitical pressures.

Bahtra highlighted the government’s success in repatriating nine Indonesian volunteers who had been detained by the Israeli military during a humanitarian mission, describing it as proof that Indonesia’s diplomacy is operating effectively, calmly, and with strong leverage.

“Minister Sugiono demonstrates a quality of leadership that is increasingly rare today. He speaks little, avoids sensationalism, but focuses on working and delivering real results,” Bahtra said on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

He noted that under President Prabowo Subianto’s direction, Minister Sugiono has successfully translated Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy into an approach that is elegant, humanistic, and centered on protecting the public.

“Minister Sugiono shows that calmness can be a strength in diplomacy. He works away from the spotlight, yet the results are directly felt by the people and respected internationally,” Bahtra added.

Bahtra emphasized that Sugiono has proven loyalty to the nation through concrete work, discipline, and responsibility. He said the minister also sends an important message that leadership is not about image-building.

“When the people need protection, the government is present—and behind that presence lies serious, calm, and effective diplomatic work,” Bahtra said.

He further noted that Indonesia’s recent diplomatic achievements have strengthened public confidence in President Prabowo’s leadership, particularly in safeguarding Indonesians amid an increasingly complex global situation.

“The public can see that the government is working sincerely. There is little rhetoric, but the results are clearly felt,” Bahtra said.

As reported earlier, nine Indonesian volunteers who had been detained by the Israeli military arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, after a long journey home. They were evacuated by the Foreign Ministry through Indonesian diplomatic missions as part of protective measures for citizens abroad.

The group traveled on an Emirates flight from Istanbul to Dubai on Saturday, May 23, at 7:35 p.m. local time, before continuing on the Dubai–Jakarta route early Sunday at 4:10 a.m. They landed in Jakarta at 3:30 p.m. local time, where Foreign Minister Sugiono personally welcomed them upon arrival. (Gusti Panji)