Eid Becomes Prabowo's Diplomacy Stage

President Prabowo Subianto utilised the momentum of Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah not only for domestic activities but also to strengthen relations with several Muslim countries through direct communications with their leaders.

Prabowo’s Lebaran agenda spanned various regions, from Takbiran night in North Sumatra, Eid prayers in Aceh, to a halal bi halal event at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Amid these activities, he also engaged in diplomatic contacts via telephone.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya described this approach as part of tradition as well as a foreign relations strategy.

“After spending Takbiran night in North Sumatra, Eid prayers in Aceh, and a halal bi halal with the community at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, during these few days in the Idul Fitri atmosphere, President Prabowo also conducted silaturahmi via telephone with leaders of Muslim countries,” Teddy stated, as quoted on Monday (23/3).

Several leaders contacted included President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.

According to Teddy, these communications are ongoing and will continue with other heads of state. “Several other heads of state will also be contacted in the near future, awaiting confirmation from each country,” he explained.

He assessed that the Eid silaturahmi tradition has broader dimensions, particularly in strengthening Indonesia’s position in the Islamic world.

“This silaturahmi embodies the closeness of brotherhood and cooperation among Muslim countries, while also reinforcing bilateral relations in an atmosphere filled with blessings,” Teddy clarified.