President Prabowo Subianto is currently on a diplomatic tour across five Middle Eastern countries: the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan. As of Friday, April 11, 2025, he is in Turkey, where he has been engaged in a series of meetings and discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional issues.
During his visit to Turkey, President Prabowo expressed satisfaction with the reception he has received, stating, "I think I have been welcomed well here. We indeed have a special relationship with Turkey, and we want to strengthen this relationship through cooperation in various fields." This sentiment reflects a broader goal of enhancing Indonesia's ties with Islamic nations in the region.
The Indonesian leader's trip has already yielded significant outcomes, including the signing of eight Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and Letters of Intent (LoIs) with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, three cooperation agreements were signed between Indonesia and Turkey, with both President Prabowo and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in attendance.
Prabowo's visit comes at a time when Indonesia is positioning itself to navigate the complexities of the global trade war and is advocating for a more proactive stance on the Palestinian issue. His meetings in the Middle East are seen as a strategic move to rally support among Islamic leaders for Palestine's independence. He stated, "We want to consult with various geopolitical developments. We want to gain insights, thoughts, and views from the leaders in this region. We are all thinking about how we can help resolve the conflict in this area, particularly in Gaza and its surroundings."
The tour began on April 9, 2025, with President Prabowo's first stop in the UAE, where he met with President MBZ to discuss peace efforts in the Middle East, particularly concerning the situation in Gaza. This meeting was held at the Qasr Al Shatie Palace in Abu Dhabi.
On the second day of his visit, President Prabowo arrived in Ankara, Turkey, where he was greeted by President Erdogan. The agenda included a speech at the Turkish Parliament and a state ceremony at the Presidential Palace. Prabowo emphasized the need for a peaceful world free from oppression, particularly highlighting the plight of children and women affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He remarked, "Many countries often speak about democracy and human rights, yet they remain silent when many children and women become victims of war in Gaza."
In light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Prabowo's government has made it clear that it does not support any forced relocation of Gaza residents, a concept previously suggested by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Instead, he emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid and support for the Palestinian people. Foreign Minister Sugiono reiterated this stance, stating that the Indonesian government consistently supports the Palestinian struggle and rejects all forms of forced relocation.
As President Prabowo continues his diplomatic mission, he is expected to further engage with leaders in Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan, aiming to solidify Indonesia's role in regional diplomacy and enhance cooperation in various sectors, including disaster response and communication.
This diplomatic tour is not only significant for Indonesia's foreign policy but also serves as a platform for President Prabowo to showcase Indonesia's commitment to international humanitarian efforts and regional stability. The outcomes of these discussions could have lasting implications for Indonesia's relationships within the Middle East and its broader geopolitical strategy.
As the world watches, President Prabowo's engagements reflect Indonesia's aspirations to be a key player in the ongoing dialogues surrounding peace and cooperation in the region.
