Indonesian president chants ‘Free Palestine’ at reception

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto gives a speech at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Indonesia on May 28, 2025. [Eko Siswono Toyudho – Anadolu Agency]

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto chanted “Free Palestine” several times during a speech Saturday at a reception marking the 100th anniversary of an Islamic school, Anadolu reports.

During the event, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulfattah A.K. Al-Sattari presented Prabowo with a keffiyeh. The Indonesian president returned to the podium after receiving it and was seen wiping his eyes with the scarf, according to state-run news agency Antara.

Prabowo then chanted “Free Palestine” several times.

He also said that if Indonesia is “strong,” then “we can help our brothers and sisters who are oppressed by another regime.”

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Prabowo said the ongoing attacks against Palestinians should serve as an impetus for Indonesia to strengthen its national power.

Prabowo said a nation’s strength depends on its ability to be self-reliant.

He said a nation’s strength depends on its ability to be self-reliant and that Indonesia must manage, protect and strengthen itself by making effective use of its natural resources.

Prabowo also stressed the importance of learning from history to ensure Indonesia is never colonized again.

“We must be determined never to be colonized again by anyone. We must be strong,” he said.

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