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Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto Moves Toward Active Support for Palestinians
By Drooid · · How we work
Shift from Recognition to Advocacy
During a reception marking the 100th anniversary of the Gontor Islamic boarding school in eastern Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto expressed strong solidarity with the Palestinian people, describing the Gaza situation as a source of deep pain and calling for a “Free Palestine.” This rhetoric contrasts sharply with his 2025 United Nations General Assembly address, in which he urged recognition, respect, and security guarantees for Israel as a prerequisite for Middle-East peace.
Context of Indonesia’s Foreign Policy
Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, has long been scrutinized for its stance toward Israel. Earlier reports indicated that Jakarta was weighing steps toward normalization with Israel, partly to advance its bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Indonesian Foreign Ministry publicly denied that such normalization was a condition for OECD membership.
Planned Peacekeeping Deployment
In February, President Subianto attended the inaugural meeting of the “Peace Council” in Washington. There he announced that Indonesia intends to deploy approximately 8,000 troops to serve as a central peacekeeping force in the Gaza Strip. The deployment plan was presented as a means to protect civilians and stabilize the enclave amid ongoing hostilities.
Official Statements & Responses
The President’s pro-Palestinian remarks were delivered at the Gontor event, emphasizing humanitarian concerns. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has not issued a separate comment on the troop-deployment proposal, but it previously rejected claims that normalization with Israel was tied to OECD accession. No other governments or international bodies have confirmed or rejected the planned deployment as of the latest reports.
Potential Impact
If realized, the 8,000-troop contribution would represent Indonesia’s most significant direct military involvement in the Gaza conflict. The shift from a diplomatic emphasis on Israel’s security to an active peacekeeping role may influence regional perceptions of Indonesia’s foreign-policy priorities and could affect its OECD accession discussions, though the outcomes remain uncertain.