Prabowo emphasises Indonesia must be strong to assist Palestine
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has emphasised that Indonesia must become a strong nation to be capable of assisting communities oppressed by other nations, as experienced by Palestine.
“Because with strength, if we are strong, we can help our brothers and sisters who are oppressed and subjugated by other nations,” said Prabowo during his address at the Thanksgiving Reception for the 100th Anniversary of Pondok Pesantren Darussalam Gontor in Ponorogo Regency, East Java, on Saturday.
Prabowo stated that the condition of the Palestinian people, who continue to face attacks, is one of the factors driving the importance of Indonesia building national strength.
Prabowo previously admitted to being moved by the plight of the Palestinian people while delivering his speech at the centenary celebrations of the Gontor Islamic Boarding School.
Prabowo, who was presented with a keffiyeh by the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdulfattah A.K. Al-Sattari, during his speech, was seen wiping his eyes with the traditional scarf upon returning to the podium.
President Prabowo also chanted “Free Palestine” several times during his speech.
“I apologise. I was just reminded of our brothers and sisters in Palestine,” he said.
“I believe this is precisely what should drive us all, especially our brothers, the kiai, the ulama, and the educators in institutions such as Gontor. I believe this must encourage and trigger a sense of will,” he added.
According to Prabowo, national strength is also linked to the ability to stand independently and not depend on other nations.
The Head of State added that Indonesia must be able to manage, protect, and strengthen itself by managing its own wealth.
Prabowo also reminded the importance of learning from history so that Indonesia does not experience colonisation again.
“And we must be determined: we shall never, under any circumstances, be colonised again by anyone. We must be strong,” said Prabow.