Prabowo Holds Three-Hour Meeting with 165 Islamic Leaders, Iran War Among Topics

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - President Prabowo Subianto hosted a silaturahmi and dialogue with ulama, kiai, habaib, leaders of pesantren and Islamic community figures on the central courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday (6 March 2026). The gathering was attended by about 165 figures and lasted roughly three hours, and also discussed global geopolitical developments, including the conflict in the Middle East such as the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. ‘The Islamic figures present tonight total about 165 people and about three hours with the president,’ said Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari during a press briefing. The meeting was also attended by pesantren figures like KH Hasib Wahab, KH Yahya Zainul Ma’rif, KH Zaitun Rasmin, and KH Marsudi Syuhud. The Speaker of the MPR Ahmad Muzani explained that the gathering served as a forum to hear directly from the president regarding geopolitical and geo-economic developments that have occurred recently. He also stated various government policies and steps taken to safeguard the unity and sovereignty of the nation. He claimed that the ulama and Islamic leaders understood this stance as the nation’s interest. ‘We, the kiai and religious leaders, are enthusiastic to welcome him and support him in working as hard as possible for the progress of the nation and for world peace, particularly in the Middle East with the war in Iran, or even to prevent it spreading to other countries,’ said Marsudi. The chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council’s Disaster Mitigation sector Nusron Wahid said the meeting discussed the geopolitical impact and the wars occurring in Palestine and Iran. ‘There are concerns about how the Israeli and American attacks on Iran and potential implications for Indonesia will unfold,’ Nusron said. During the event, Prabowo also outlined current conditions of the Indonesian economy and society. He further stated that ulama and leaders of Islamic organisations had also agreed to engage in intensive communication with the Indonesian government. In addition, Prabowo urged the organisations and Islamic figures to stand united in pursuing peace in the Middle East. ‘In particular, to ease tensions. The war between Iran and the United States must not happen and must not trigger turmoil in the region,’ he said. The Minister of ATR/Head of the National Land Agency also noted that before meeting with Islamic leaders, the president had held intensive discussions with Rais Aam PBNU Miftachul K.H. Akhyar, the General Chairman of PB Muhammadiyah K.H Haedar Nashir, and the General Chairman of MUI K.H. Anwar Iskandar.