Indonesia’s Shocking UN Pivot: World’s Largest Muslim Nation Calls for Israel’s Security

In a stunning departure from decades of diplomatic tradition, Indonesia’s President Prabowo has broken ranks with the Muslim world by explicitly calling for Israel’s recognition and security at the United Nations General Assembly.

Breaking Six Decades of Diplomatic Orthodoxy

Indonesia, home to over 230 million Muslims, has historically maintained one of the most hardline positions against Israel among major nations. Since its independence, the Southeast Asian archipelago has refused to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, consistently voting against Israeli interests at the UN and championing Palestinian causes. This stance has been a cornerstone of Indonesian foreign policy, reflecting both domestic religious sentiment and solidarity with the broader Muslim world.

President Prabowo Subianto, who assumed office in October 2024, appears to be charting a dramatically different course. His statement at the UN General Assembly—particularly the explicit call to “recognize, respect and guarantee the safety and security of Israel”—represents a seismic shift that would have been unthinkable under any previous Indonesian administration.

Geopolitical Calculations in a Changing World

This unexpected pivot likely reflects Indonesia’s evolving strategic calculations in an increasingly multipolar world. As the de facto leader of ASEAN and a G20 member, Indonesia may be positioning itself as a more neutral mediator in global conflicts, potentially eyeing a larger role in international peace negotiations. The timing is particularly significant given the ongoing regional realignments following the Abraham Accords and the shifting dynamics in the Middle East.

Domestically, Prabowo faces a delicate balancing act. Indonesia’s powerful Islamic organizations, including Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, have historically been vocal supporters of Palestinian rights. The president’s statement risks triggering significant backlash from religious conservatives and could test the limits of his political capital. Early reactions on Indonesian social media suggest a mix of shock, confusion, and in some quarters, cautious support for a more pragmatic foreign policy.

Economic Pragmatism or Principled Evolution?

Beyond the immediate political ramifications, Prabowo’s statement may signal Indonesia’s growing economic pragmatism. Israel’s advanced technology sector, particularly in agriculture, water management, and cybersecurity, could offer significant benefits to Indonesia’s development goals. Several Muslim-majority nations have quietly expanded economic ties with Israel while maintaining official diplomatic distance—Indonesia may be preparing to leapfrog this approach entirely.

The president’s careful wording—linking Israel’s security to “real peace”—suggests an attempt to frame this shift within a broader peace agenda rather than abandonment of Palestinian concerns. By using “Salam Alaikum” to close his remarks, Prabowo appears to be signaling that this position is compatible with Islamic values of justice and peace.

A New Chapter in Muslim-Israeli Relations?

If Indonesia follows through on this rhetorical shift with concrete policy changes, it could fundamentally alter the dynamics of Muslim-Israeli relations globally. As the world’s largest Muslim-majority democracy and third-largest democracy overall, Indonesia’s position carries enormous symbolic weight. Other Muslim nations watching closely may feel emboldened to reconsider their own approaches to Israel.

The international community will be watching closely for Indonesia’s next moves. Will this statement translate into actual diplomatic recognition? Will Indonesia maintain its support for Palestinian statehood while acknowledging Israel’s security needs? The answers could reshape Middle Eastern diplomacy for years to come.

As the dust settles on this remarkable UN moment, one question looms large: Is President Prabowo’s statement a calculated trial balloon that will be quietly walked back, or does it represent the beginning of a fundamental realignment in one of the world’s most entrenched diplomatic standoffs?