At UNGA, Indonesian Prez Prabowo invokes ‘Om Shanti’ in appeal for global peace

Reiterating Indonesia’s longstanding support for the two-state solution, Subianto called for both Palestine and Israel to exist as free, independent, and secure nations.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto struck a note of interfaith harmony and peace at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, closing his address with greetings from Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions.

Concluding his remarks, Subianto said, “Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, Shalom, Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om, Namo Budaya.” He followed with, “Thank you very much. May God bless us all, may peace be upon us.”

In one of the most striking portions of his speech, the Indonesian leader addressed the worsening crisis in Gaza.

Warning that “human folly, fuelled by fear, racism, hatred, oppression, and apartheid, threatens our common future,” he urged the international community to act decisively to end the humanitarian catastrophe.

“Violence cannot be used to answer any political conflict because violence can only beget more violence,” he said, adding that innocent civilians in Gaza are facing “trauma, starvation, and irreparable harm.”

Reiterating Indonesia’s longstanding support for the two-state solution, Subianto called for both Palestine and Israel to exist as free, independent, and secure nations. “The only solution is two nations, two descendants of Abraham, living together in reconciliation, peace, and harmony. Arabs, Jews, Muslims, and Christians must live together,” he said.

Moreover, in a strong show of commitment, Subianto announced that Indonesia was ready to send “20,000 or even more” personnel to help secure peace in Gaza or elsewhere in Palestine.

“Indonesia today is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces. We will continue to serve where peace needs guardians, not with just words, but with boots on the ground,” he told the Assembly.

Subianto concluded his address with a vision of interfaith unity, blending greetings across religions and cultures to emphasize the universal longing for peace. His appeal came as Gaza, Hong Kong, and several conflict regions face ongoing humanitarian crises.

“Let us work together towards this noble goal,” he urged world leaders, stressing that genuine peace requires justice, humility, and mutual trust.