The 2025 Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit on Gaza not only marked a historic step toward ending hostilities in Palestine, but also captured a moment that went viral: the thumbs-up pose between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The gesture, which occurred as the two leaders exchanged greetings and posed for photographers, quickly spread across international media platforms and social networks on Monday, October 13, 2025. Trump, co-hosting the summit alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, welcomed more than 20 world leaders attending the one-day meeting aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

While Trump was seen offering his signature thumbs-up in most photo sessions often unreciprocated by other heads of state, the dynamic shifted when Prabowo stepped forward. Both leaders shared a brief conversation, clasped hands, and simultaneously flashed matching thumbs-up poses to the cameras.

During his closing remarks, Trump singled out Prabowo by name before the assembled leaders.

“Together with us is President Prabowo, an extraordinary figure from Indonesia,” Trump said, gesturing toward Prabowo.

Prabowo then stepped forward to shake Trump’s hand, prompting applause from the audience.

“Great job,” Trump added, smiling toward the Indonesian president.

The American leader’s praise was echoed in his broader comments about Indonesia’s diplomatic role.

“Indonesia is a great, strong country doing incredible work,” Trump said, acknowledging Jakarta’s consistent advocacy for a two-state solution and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

Indonesia’s stance under Prabowo has been firm: advocating a permanent ceasefire, supporting the reconstruction of Gaza, and offering to deploy up to 20,000 peacekeeping troops pending UN Security Council approval.

Hot mic incident sparks curiosity

Following the plenary session, an unexpected moment further drew media attention. A live microphone near the podium inadvertently picked up a brief private exchange between Trump and Prabowo, according to Reuters.

Neither leader appeared to realize the microphone was still active. In the clip, Prabowo could be heard mentioning an area he described as “unsafe,” then asking Trump if he could meet Eric Trump, one of Trump’s sons.

Trump replied affirmatively, promising to “call Eric,” to which Prabowo responded he would “find a better place.” Trump then added he would ensure Eric contacted Prabowo directly.

Before stepping away, Prabowo also mentioned the name “Eric or Don Jr.,” referring to Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.

The brief exchange quickly fueled online speculation over its nature whether it was a casual aside or related to potential diplomatic or business matters. Neither the Indonesian nor U.S. delegation has issued an official clarification as of Tuesday afternoon, October 14, 2025.

Observers note that despite the social media buzz, the exchange underscores Indonesia’s increasingly visible role in global peace diplomacy. Analysts see Prabowo’s participation and personal rapport with Trump as symbolic of Jakarta’s pragmatic approach to international relations.

The Sharm el-Sheikh Summit, co-chaired by Egypt and the United States, concluded with the signing of a ceasefire document between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, Turkiye, and the U.S. The agreement marked the first formal truce since hostilities paused on October10, 2025.

For Indonesia, the spotlight moment may have been fleeting but its message was lasting: the archipelago’s diplomacy, and its president, are firmly on the world stage.