Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto ended his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in a unusual multifaith farewell, invoking greetings from Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism. He also emphasized ensuring "Israel's security" as part of realizing Middle East peace in perpetuity.
"Wassalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, Shalom, Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om. Namo Budhaya. Thank you very much," he said.
In a pointed remark, he stressed the importance of ensuring Israel’s security, declaring, “We must also recognize, we must also respect, and we must also guarantee the safety and security of Israel. Only then we can have real peace.”
“We believe in the UN. We will continue to serve where peace needs guardians — not with just words, but with boots on the ground,” he added.
In a theatrics vow, Prabowo declared that Indonesia would be prepared to deploy massive military aid if sanctioned by international organizations. “If and when the UN Security Council and this great assembly decide, Indonesia is prepared to deploy 20,000 or even more of our sons and daughters to help secure peace in Gaza,” he said.
His comment was made in the context of continued violence. In line with figures that are deemed credible by the United Nations, the health ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas — nearly 65,382 Palestinians, the majority of whom were civilians, were killed in Israeli military operations during the last two years.
