Prabowo's comments, made while he was in Washington on Wednesday, came after his foreign ministry stressed that Indonesia does not recognize China's claims over the South China Sea despite signing a maritime deal with Beijing last weekend.

The president said Jakarta will safeguard its sovereignty in the contested waterway days after signing a maritime deal with Beijing.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized safeguarding national sovereignty amidst tensions over the South China Sea. He advocated for partnerships over conflicts and reiterated Indonesia's non-recognition of China's territorial claims.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said he would "always safeguard our sovereignty" when asked about the issue of the South China Sea, adding partnerships are better than conflicts and that "we respect all powers".

Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto recently vowed to protect Indonesian sovereignty of its waters as Jakarta tries to dispel worries about its possible recognition of Beijing's claims over the South China Sea.

Donald Trump faces a more confrontational China in the South China Sea in his second term, escalating the risk of a conflict.

Countries surrounding the South China Sea have built more than 90 outposts on around 70 islands, rocks and reefs in the highly disputed area, satellite images show.