Jakarta — In his inaugural speech as the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia’s firm stance on anti-oppression and anti-colonialism, declaring strong support for Palestinian independence. Prabowo emphasized that while Indonesia adopts a non-aligned foreign policy, the nation remains committed to siding with those oppressed globally.
Speaking shortly after being sworn in as Indonesia’s 8th president at the MPR/DPR building in Jakarta on Sunday (October 20), Prabowo stressed Indonesia’s principle of being a good neighbor and a friend to all nations.
“We choose the path of friendship with all countries. I have repeatedly emphasized that Indonesia will follow a foreign policy that aims to be a good neighbor. We want to adopt the ancient philosophy that a thousand friends are too few, and one enemy is too many,” Prabowo declared.
However, he highlighted that Indonesia has unwavering principles, especially when it comes to standing in solidarity with oppressed peoples around the world.
“Because we have experienced colonization, we are anti-oppression. Because we have been oppressed, we are against racism, against apartheid. We remember how, during colonial times, we were classified lower than dogs,” Prabowo stated passionately.
“And that is why we support the independence of the Palestinian people,” Prabowo exclaimed, receiving a round of applause from the attendees.
Reflecting on his time as Minister of Defense under President Joko Widodo’s administration, Prabowo mentioned that Indonesia has already provided significant aid to Palestine.
“Under President Joko Widodo, the government has sent substantial aid to Palestine. Today, we have medical teams working in Gaza and Rafah,” Prabowo continued.
He also expressed Indonesia’s readiness to send further assistance, especially for those injured or traumatized by the ongoing conflict.
“With very high risk, our doctors, our nurses have been working alongside our brothers from the UAE. We are also ready to send more aid and evacuate those wounded and children affected by trauma. We are preparing all military hospitals, and later, other hospitals to assist our brothers and sisters who have fallen victim to this unjust war,” Prabowo concluded. (RR)
