Heaptalk, New York – President Prabowo Subianto’s first address at the 79th United Nations General Assembly was more than a diplomatic debut—it was Indonesia’s reentry into the world’s highest multilateral forum after a decade-long absence. His speech signaled a deliberate attempt to reposition Indonesia not only as the world’s third-largest democracy but also as a bridge-builder between the Global North and South.
A Balancing Act on Palestine
At the heart of Prabowo’s message was a strong reaffirmation of Indonesia’s support for Palestinian independence through a two-state solution. Yet, his approach was measured: lasting peace, he argued, requires recognition of both Palestinian sovereignty and Israel’s security. This balanced tone differentiated Indonesia from hardline rhetoric, projecting the country as a pragmatic mediator rather than a partisan voice.
Prabowo went further, offering substance behind his words. He announced Indonesia’s readiness to send up to 20,000 peacekeepers to hotspots such as Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Libya—a bold pledge that positions Jakarta as an active enabler of peace, not merely an advocate.
Reasserting Multilateralism
Throughout the address, Prabowo underscored a central theme: the urgency of strengthening multilateral institutions. His call for a stronger United Nations reflected both Indonesia’s historical journey—from beneficiary of international solidarity to provider of global contributions—and its ambition to be a credible actor in shaping the rules of the international order.
“As a G20 member and one of the world’s largest democracies, Indonesia is uniquely placed to bridge divides,” Prabowo said, framing the country as a middle power with outsized influence. His pledge to boost Indonesia’s already significant contributions to UN peacekeeping reinforced this message: Indonesia does not just want a seat at the table; it wants to set the tone of collective security.
Global Challenges: Food and Climate
Prabowo also used the UN stage to highlight Indonesia’s policy priorities in food security and climate action—issues that resonate globally. He touted record rice production that enables Indonesia to not only achieve self-sufficiency but also export surplus grain, including humanitarian aid to Palestine. This framing allowed him to link domestic achievements with international solidarity.
On climate change, Prabowo struck a realistic yet ambitious note. Acknowledging Indonesia’s vulnerability as the world’s largest archipelago, he reaffirmed commitments to the Paris Agreement and net zero by 2060—or earlier. Starting next year, renewable energy will dominate new electricity capacity, alongside a sweeping reforestation program targeting 12 million hectares of degraded land. These policies, he argued, are not only about cutting emissions but also about generating green jobs and equitable growth.
Global Reactions: A Middle Power Steps Up
Prabowo’s debut attracted wide attention. Diplomats praised Indonesia’s moderate stance on Palestine, its peacekeeping commitments, and its ambitious climate agenda. International media framed Indonesia as a bridge between conflicting global interests—rare for a developing nation.
For Indonesia, the moment carried symbolic weight. After years of relative quiet on the multilateral stage, the country has reasserted itself as a moral voice with the political will to act. Prabowo’s speech suggested a broader transformation: from a nation shaped by global solidarity to one shaping the global order itself.
