Prabowo Tears Up While Discussing Indonesia's Aid to Palestine Through Baznas
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto appeared to cry as he referred to Indonesia’s aid for Palestine sent by the National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) during a meeting with clerics, ulama, leaders of Islamic organisations, and leaders of pesantren in the Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, Thursday 5 March 2026.
That moment was captured in a video circulated by the Government Communications Office (Bakom) of the Republic of Indonesia, on Friday 6 March 2025.
From the video, the President’s voice sounded quivering as he expressed deep appreciation to Baznas for its major role in organising humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.
During the moment, the footage documenting the delivery of aid was played. The aid was received directly by the Palestinians.
“Excellent, thank you Baznas. You represent the Indonesian nation, you represent the Muslim community in Indonesia,” Prabowo said, on Thursday 5 March 2026.
“Your aid is deeply felt. I thank you on behalf of the government and the Indonesian people for the assistance organised by Baznas. Excellent, thank you,” he said with a trembling voice.
Prabowo expressed the government’s support in the process of sending humanitarian aid. Indonesia, he said, had prepared delivery assets such as Hercules transport aircraft for delivering the aid.
“We have prepared the Hercules, we have prepared the umbrella. Much of what is being deployed is materials channeled via Baznas. Thank you,” he added.
Shortly after delivering those words, Prabowo wiped away the tears running down his cheeks with a small towel placed in front of the podium.
That moment made the room fall silent, then filled with emotion, followed by applause.
As information, the gathering was attended by 121 kiai and leaders of Islamic community organisations from across the country, making it a moment of reflection and reaffirmation of Indonesia’s humanitarian commitment amid the crisis affecting Palestine.