Prabowo: Indonesia on Non-Aligned Path, We Do Not Wish to Join Any Bloc

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that the world is currently engulfed in various conflicts. He alluded to wars occurring in several countries, including escalating tensions in the Middle East region.

“I want to convey this because we are aware and understand that our world is now full of dangerous dynamics. Everywhere wars are breaking out, in almost all regions of the world, particularly in the Middle East region. A short while ago we became aware of a major war in Europe, in Ukraine. Now almost the entire Middle East is affected,” said Prabowo whilst inaugurating 218 bridges virtually, as seen on the YouTube channel of the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (9 March 2026).

Although Indonesia is geographically distant from these conflict zones, Prabowo believes the impacts can still be felt. He noted that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, meaning that conflicts in one region can influence other areas.

“Although we are geographically far from that place, our earth has truly become small. What happens in one region will affect other regions,” he stated.

For this reason, Prabowo emphasised that Indonesia is on the correct path by maintaining its principle of non-aligned and active foreign policy and not siding with any bloc of power. Prabowo believes this principle aligns with the spirit of diversity that forms the foundation of Indonesian national life.

“Our nation, our country is on a path that is already correct. We are on a non-aligned path. We are always on the path of active foreign policy, non-bloc. We do not wish to join any bloc. We respect all powers, we respect all nations. This is Indonesia,” he said.

“Bhinneka Tunggal Ika within the country, but also abroad we respect all nations, respect all religions, respect all races, respect all ethnic groups. This is what makes Indonesia now enjoy peaceful conditions. We can live alongside hundreds of ethnic groups but we can get along,” he continued.

Amid turbulent global conditions caused by conflicts in the Middle East, Prabowo reminded that Indonesia must also prepare to face various possible impacts that may emerge.

“Brothers and sisters, the entire world is experiencing tremors, the entire world. Due to war in the Middle East we must frankly be prepared to face difficulties,” he said.

Nevertheless, he expressed pride in the role of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), which he considers one of the main pillars of the state in maintaining national stability. According to Prabowo, the TNI has proven itself as a people’s army serving all of the Indonesian nation, without making distinctions based on affiliation or group.

“But today I feel proud that once again, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, where the Indonesian National Armed Forces is one of the main pillars, has proven to all the people that the Indonesian National Armed Forces is a people’s army. The Indonesian National Armed Forces is a fighter’s army. The Indonesian National Armed Forces is a national army, an army for all of the Indonesian nation. From west to east, from north to south. The TNI belongs to the entire nation. The TNI stands above all groups, the TNI stands above all organisations whatsoever,” he said.