Prabowo Emphasises National Unity Amid Middle East Conflict

JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto has stressed the importance of national unity in the face of a widening conflict in the Middle East following Israeli and United States strikes on Iran. He delivered the message in a speech during a gathering of ulama, preachers, and leaders of pesantren at the Istana Kepresidenan (Presidential Palace), Jakarta, on Thursday (5 March 2026).

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Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Muhammadiyah cadre, Zulkifli Hasan, said the President gave a three-hour briefing during the meeting.

“Intinya mari kita jaga persatuan, yang paling utama adalah tentu persatuan. Kita menjaga, melindungi seluruh tumpah darah dan rakyat kita. Dan dalam situasi yang sulit seperti itu, sekali lagi Bapak Presiden menjelaskan pentingnya kebersamaan persatuan,” said Zulkifli Hasan after the meeting.

“Perkembangan geopolitik, dalam negeri. Bapak Presiden tadi (memberikan pengarahan) dari jam 8 sekarang jam 11 (malam). Tiga jam,” he added.

The former Defence Minister also brought the Board of Peace (BoP).

“Sehingga, apapun kondisinya, perang Amerika-Iran, kondisi peta geopolitik, kita tetap kuat bersatu, solid, tidak mudah dipecah belah, dan yang penting semua yang dilakukan Presiden adalah untuk kepentingan nasional. (Bahas BoP) Pasti,” Muhaimin asserted.

From late afternoon to evening, President Prabowo had gathered many Islamic religious figures.

They included leaders of prominent Islamic organisations such as Muhammadiyah, PBNU, and MUI.

That night, kiai from pesantren across various regions gathered at Istana Merdeka. Representatives of groups of Muslim scholars were also present.

There were also popular preachers invited to the palace such as Mamah Dedeh, Ustaz Wijayanto, and Ustaz Subki Al Bughury.