Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has emerged as a vocal critic of Western inaction on the Gaza conflict during his recent Middle East tour, calling for global accountability and reiterating his country’s steadfast support for Palestinian independence. Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey on April 11, 2025, Prabowo accused Western powers of hypocrisy, highlighting their silence on what he described as “flagrant violations of human rights” in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
His remarks, delivered amidst a series of high-profile meetings with regional leaders, underscore Indonesia’s growing role in advocating for a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace in the region. As the conflict in Gaza continues to devastate lives after 18 months of unrelenting violence, Prabowo’s tour—which included stops in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan—has placed humanitarian concerns at the forefront of Indonesia’s foreign policy.
A Call for Accountability
During his address in Antalya, Prabowo did not mince words. “For decades, Western countries came to us and told us what we had to do—democracy, human rights. Now when we see flagrant violations of human rights, every night on television, they [are silent]” he said. His critique reflects a broader sentiment in the Global South, where many nations perceive a double standard in how Western powers address conflicts involving Israel and Palestine. 
Prabowo framed the Gaza crisis as a “wake-up call” for the international community, urging a reevaluation of moral and diplomatic priorities. His comments resonate deeply in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, where public support for the Palestinian cause is both fervent and longstanding. “My people see the suffering in Gaza as [their own]” he said, emphasizing a personal and national commitment to contributing to a resolution. “That’s why I must contribute what I can.”
Indonesia’s Humanitarian Proposal
Beyond rhetoric, Prabowo has proposed tangible action. Indonesia has offered to temporarily evacuate 1,000 injured Palestinians and orphaned children for medical treatment in the country, an initiative aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Antalya forum, he stressed that this would not constitute permanent relocation. “This is our offer to take part in helping out with the humanitarian crises and the terrible suffering of the Palestinian people. We want to do something” he said.
Foreign Minister Sugiono reinforced this position, clarifying that the evacuation would only proceed with the consent of all relevant stakeholders in the region. “We reject the displacement of Palestinians from their homeland under any pretext” Sugiono said at a press conference during the forum. He was joined by diplomats from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, who collectively voiced opposition to any plans for the permanent relocation of Palestinians and endorsed the two-state solution as the foundation for peace.
Indonesia’s proposal builds on prior humanitarian efforts, including the dispatch of a medical team to Gaza. However, the plan has sparked debate both domestically and regionally. Some Muslim groups and observers in Indonesia have expressed concern that even a temporary evacuation could inadvertently contribute to broader displacement efforts, particularly in light of controversial proposals from other global actors.
Regional and Global Reactions
Prabowo’s initiative comes against the backdrop of contentious international discourse. In February 2025, United States President Donald Trump suggested that the US could take control of Gaza and relocate its approximately 2 million residents to other countries, framing the move as a step toward creating what he called the “Riviera of the Middle East.” The statement drew sharp criticism from Middle Eastern leaders and activists, who view such plans as a direct threat to Palestinian sovereignty.
In response, Middle Eastern nations have presented a united front during Prabowo’s tour, rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians. This alignment has bolstered Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts, though challenges remain. Foreign Ministry spokesman Rolliansyah “Roy” Soemirat clarified on April 14, 2025, that ongoing discussions at presidential and ministerial levels aim to address these concerns. “Talks are still in process because they need to involve all parties, including the various stakeholders abroad” he told local media.
Despite this, skepticism persists. International relations expert Teuku Rezasyah has questioned whether Indonesia’s proposal will gain traction among Middle Eastern countries, cautioning that it risks being perceived as a step toward enabling Israel’s reported push for “voluntary migration” of Palestinians. “Even if the evacuation plan were to come to fruition, has Prabowo made sufficient arrangements and preparations to ensure that Palestinian evacuees would be properly looked after?” Teuku asked on April 14, 2025.
Teuku acknowledged a potential silver lining, suggesting that Indonesia’s initiative could inspire other nations to propose their own solutions. “The only good thing to have come out of the proposal is that it could spur other countries who have so far been inactive or ‘all talk and no action’ to also come up with their own proposals to aid Palestinians” he said.
Indonesia’s Historical Stance
Indonesia’s advocacy for Palestinian independence is not new. The country has consistently supported the creation of two independent states—Israel and Palestine—as the cornerstone of a peaceful resolution. This position aligns with broader international consensus, including resolutions from the United Nations, though progress has remained elusive amid recurring cycles of violence.
Prabowo’s personal connection to the issue, rooted in Indonesia’s cultural and religious ties to the Muslim world, adds a layer of urgency to his diplomatic outreach. His Middle East tour, which concluded with a visit to Jordan’s King Abdullah II at al-Husseiniya Palace in Amman on April 14, 2025, symbolizes a homecoming of sorts—Jordan being a key player in regional peace efforts and a historical ally in supporting Palestinian rights.
The Gaza conflict, now in its second year, has displaced hundreds of thousands and caused tens of thousands of casualties, according to UN estimates. Infrastructure in the enclave lies in ruins, with access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical care severely restricted. Indonesia’s push for humanitarian intervention, while modest in scope, reflects a broader call for global solidarity at a time when diplomatic solutions appear stalled.
Domestic Implications and Challenges
Back in Jakarta, Prabowo’s foreign policy moves are being closely watched. While his criticism of Western powers has resonated with many Indonesians who share a deep empathy for Palestinians, the evacuation proposal has divided opinion. Critics argue that hosting even a small number of evacuees could set a precedent, potentially aligning Indonesia with policies it has historically opposed.
Supporters, however, see Prabowo’s actions as a necessary extension of Indonesia’s moral stance. They point to the country’s history of providing aid during crises, from natural disasters to conflicts, as evidence of its capacity to manage such an undertaking. The government has yet to release detailed plans on how the evacuees would be accommodated or the timeline for their return, leaving room for speculation and concern.
Looking Ahead
As Prabowo returns from his Middle East tour, the focus shifts to whether Indonesia can translate diplomatic momentum into concrete outcomes. The evacuation proposal, while humanitarian in intent, faces logistical and political hurdles that may temper its impact. Regional consensus, a prerequisite for the plan’s success, remains uncertain, as does the response from Palestinian authorities and international bodies overseeing aid efforts in Gaza.
Moreover, Prabowo’s broader critique of Western inaction raises questions about the future of Indonesia’s relations with global powers. By positioning himself as a voice for the Global South, he risks straining ties with nations whose economic and political support Jakarta has long relied upon. Yet, for many Indonesians, this assertiveness is a welcome shift—a sign that their country is stepping onto the world stage with renewed purpose.
As the crisis in Gaza persists, the international community watches to see if initiatives like Indonesia’s can break the deadlock. For now, Prabowo’s words and actions serve as a reminder of the human cost of silence, urging a reckoning that transcends borders and political divides.
