Indonesia’s Changing Political Stance on Palestine in the Prabowo Era

Causes and Consequences

Abstract

Since the escalation of Israeli attacks on Gaza on 7 October 2023, the humanitarian crisis which considered as genocide have prompted Indonesia to take a stand. Historically, Indonesia has consistently supported Palestinian independence in accordance with the mandate of its constitution and the principle of “Bebas-Aktif” foreign policy. However, differences can be observed in Indonesia’s approach toward the Gaza Genocide during the administration of President Prabowo Subianto. This study analyzes the shift in Indonesia’s foreign policy toward the Gaza genocide under the presidency of Prabowo Subianto. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the research utilizes data obtained from academic journals, presidential speeches, official government statements and foreign policy documents. The findings indicate that during the early Prabowo era, with Foreign Minister Sugiono, Indonesia began to show a more pragmatic approach that seeks to balance humanitarian commitments with strategic national interest. This reflected in Indonesia’s more cautious use of the term “genocide” at the 2025 UN General Assembly and its participation in the Board of Peace initiative. This research aims to understand the dynamics of Indonesian diplomacy in addressing humanitarian issues in Gaza, identify the factors influencing these changes and assess their implications for Indonesia’s “Bebas-Aktif” foreign policy.