September 30, 2025 | 04:32 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has addressed the appearance of billboards in Israel depicting President Prabowo Subianto alongside several world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The billboards also feature the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan; King Abdullah II of Jordan; Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS); President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi; and President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas.
Reports indicate that these billboards were displayed at multiple locations across Tel Aviv, sparking discussions on social media platforms, particularly X, amid claims linking them to support for Trump’s 21-point proposal for resolving the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Foreign Ministry Clarifies Indonesia’s Position
Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang explained that the billboards are part of a campaign by an Israeli NGO urging the government to expand its Abraham Accords partnerships, potentially including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, following Trump’s recent meetings with Arab and Muslim leaders in New York.
Yvonne emphasized that Indonesia’s position toward Israel remains unchanged.
“Indonesia’s stance is clear: there will be no recognition or normalization with Israel, through the Abraham Accords or any other platform, unless Israel first recognizes an independent and sovereign Palestinian state,” she stated on Monday night, September 29, 2025.
She reiterated that, as previously affirmed by Foreign Minister Sugiono, any discussion regarding Israel must begin with acknowledgment of Palestinian independence and sovereignty.
Prabowo at the UN: Advocating a Two-State Solution
The billboard controversy emerged shortly after President Prabowo Subianto attended the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. In his September 23 speech, he reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for a two-state solution as the path to resolving the Gaza conflict.
“We must have an independent Palestine. We must recognize, respect, and ensure the safety and security of Israel,” Prabowo said, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He described millions of people facing trauma, hunger, and the threat of death due to Israeli attacks.
“At this moment, innocent people are crying for help. Who will save them?” he asked.
Returning to Jakarta, Prabowo expressed hope that his UN visit would contribute to a ceasefire.
“We urgently need a ceasefire for the people of Gaza and a substantive resolution. Alhamdulillah, I believe my visit has brought benefits,” he stated at Halim Perdanakusumah Air Force Base on September 27, 2025. He also noted that his speech received positive responses from several world leaders.
Netanyahu’s Response at the UNGA
During the same forum, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Prabowo’s address. Speaking on the final day of the UNGA General Debate, Netanyahu noted the significance of Indonesia as the country with the largest Muslim population.
”I took note of the encouraging words spoken here by the president of Indonesia. This is the country with the largest Muslim population of all nations. It's also a sign of what could come,” he said.
Netanyahu also highlighted potential benefits of cooperation between Israel and Arab and Muslim countries, particularly in technology.
“I believe that in the coming years, the Middle East will look dramatically different. Many of those who wage war on Israel today will be gone tomorrow. Brave peacemakers will take their place,” he added.
Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to the writing of this article.
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