Prabowo's Tearful Moment as He Praises Baznas for Channeling Indonesia's Aid to Palestine

An emotional atmosphere enveloped the meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and senior clerics (kiai) and leaders of Islamic social organisations. Prabowo briefly cried with emotion as he expressed appreciation for the role of the National Zakat Amil Agency (Baznas) in distributing aid to Palestine. The Silaturahmi gathering was held at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday evening, 5 March 2026. When addressing Baznas Chairman Noor Achmad, Prabowo delivered deep appreciation for the substantial role he plays in organising humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people. At that moment, a documentary video showing Indonesia’s aid being received by Palestinians was also shown. Prabowo’s voice was heard to tremble as he expressed his gratitude. He said Baznas has become a symbol of the Indonesian nation’s and the Muslim community’s care for their Palestinian brothers and sisters. “Amazing, thank you Baznas. You represent the Indonesian nation, you represent the Muslim community in Indonesia,” Prabowo said, as seen in the video shared by the Presidential Communications Agency on Friday, 6 March 2026. In the same remarks, Prabowo stressed that the aid collected and distributed through Baznas is genuinely felt by the Palestinian people who are facing a difficult situation. “Your assistance is deeply felt. On behalf of the government and the Indonesian people, I thank our Baznas brothers for organising this aid. Wonderful, thank you,” Prabowo said. Prabowo also disclosed the government’s support in the process of delivering the humanitarian aid. “We have the Hercules prepared, we have the umbrella prepared. Much of what is deployed consists of materials channelled through Baznas. Thank you,” he said. Not long after delivering those words, Prabowo was seen dabbing tears from his cheeks with a small towel placed in front of the podium. The Silaturahmi event was attended by 121 kiai and leaders of Islamic community organisations from across the country, making it a moment of reflection as well as a reaffirmation of Indonesia’s humanitarian commitment amid the crisis afflicting Palestine.