President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to deliver a speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, on September 23, 2025, taking the podium after Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Prabowo’s decision to attend the UNGA is seen as a move that could strengthen Indonesia’s international reputation, particularly if he emphasizes the country’s consistent support for Palestinian independence.

Khairul Fahmi, a defense and security analyst at the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS), said that nations that uphold moral integrity are viewed as professional and trustworthy. He expressed hope that Prabowo would address the ongoing armed conflict in Gaza and highlight Indonesia’s steadfast stance on Palestine.

“The world today does not only measure a country by its military or economic power, but also by its moral consistency. This is a form of soft power that can enhance Indonesia’s credibility in future economic and security cooperation,” Fahmi told Katadata.co.id, on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

He added that defending Palestine has long been part of Indonesia’s international identity. A strong message of support for Palestine at the UN could further expand Indonesia’s bilateral and multilateral cooperation networks.

“It is important that President Prabowo, when given the stage at the UNGA, also reaffirms Indonesia’s commitment to supporting Palestine, as it is central to both national commitment and reputation,” he said.

Agung Baskoro, Director of Trias Politika, noted that Prabowo’s speech holds strategic importance in projecting Indonesia’s position as a neutral yet influential player in global affairs. He stressed that Indonesia’s long-standing principle of an “independent and active” foreign policy allows the country to avoid alignment with any major power bloc while still actively engaging in global issues, including efforts to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“The upcoming speech should reinforce Indonesia’s bargaining position as a middle-ground nation, applying its independent and active foreign policy to play a constructive role in international affairs,” Agung said.

Meanwhile, Tri Hariyat, Director General for Multilateral Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that Prabowo’s address will also touch on broader global dynamics, including responses to recent attacks on Qatar, as well as Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause.

“The issue of Palestine will certainly be raised,” Tri Hariyat told a press conference at the Foreign Ministry on September 11, 2025. He added that Indonesia would also advocate for fairer UN reforms to empower developing countries. “We need a reformed multilateral system that provides a stronger role for the Global South,” he emphasized.

The UNGA serves as a platform for world leaders to present their national positions and official statements. Of the UN’s 193 member states, 145 have confirmed attendance so far, including 137 heads of state or government, five vice presidents, and three deputy prime ministers. The number is expected to rise as the session approaches.