Waisak Day: Prabowo Calls for National Brotherhood and Unity
President Prabowo Subianto extended his congratulations to all Buddhists observing the 2570 Buddhist Era (BE) Waisak Day. His message was delivered during the culmination of the Holy Waisak Day 2570 BE/2026 celebrations today.
“On this Waisak Day, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, personally and on behalf of the government, extend my warm wishes for the 2570 Buddhist Era Waisak Day to all Indonesian Buddhists and Buddhists worldwide,” Prabowo said in a video on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
The Head of State called for the spirit of this year’s Waisak to inspire all segments of society in fostering national and state life. He urged Buddhists to strengthen brotherhood and spread goodness.
“The spirit of this year’s Waisak, with the theme ‘Dharma as the Source of Morality and Wisdom, Love as the Source of World Peace,’ should inspire us all to reinforce brotherhood, spread kindness, prioritise dialogue, and maintain harmony in community, national, and state life,” Prabowo stated.
Additionally, Prabowo stressed that Indonesia is a great nation due to its diversity. He emphasised that despite differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, traditions, and customs, all Indonesians are united by the common goal of building a better homeland.
“Indonesia is a great nation because of its diversity. We have varied backgrounds in ethnicity, religion, culture, traditions, and customs. Yet we are united by the same aspiration: to build a peaceful, just, prosperous, and harmonious Indonesia,” he said.
During the occasion, Prabowo also reminded the importance of maintaining unity and optimism amidst global dynamics. He called on all parties to continue working together to achieve the welfare of all Indonesian citizens.
“Amidst the world’s many challenges and uncertainties, Indonesia must remain steadfast in preserving unity and optimism. We must continue to work hard, support one another, and collaborate to realise the welfare of all Indonesian people,” the President said.
In line with this, the Head of State noted that the values embedded in the Waisak Day celebrations offer valuable lessons. These values, according to the President, are also crucial foundations for strengthening the nation’s character.
“I am confident that the values of compassion, tolerance, and wisdom taught in Buddhist teachings will further strengthen Indonesia’s character as a nation that upholds humanity and peace,” he added.
Furthermore, Prabowo invited the public to use Waisak Day as an opportunity to strengthen national brotherhood.
“Let us use the Waisak Day celebrations as a moment to reinforce national brotherhood, strengthen the spirit of service to the nation, and increase concern for one another,” the President added.
In closing his message, Prabowo expressed hope that the noble values of Waisak Day would continue to illuminate the nation’s development journey.
“May the light of wisdom, peace, and compassion always guide our steps in building a progressive, modern, strong, and harmonious Indonesia,” he concluded.