Indonesian President Calls for Muslim Unity to Counter Global Exploitation
Amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a volatile global landscape, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto issued a powerful call for unity among Islamic nations. Speaking at a high-level meeting in Cairo on Thursday, President Subianto emphasized the need for stronger economic cooperation and collective action to secure a fairer global order and effectively support the Palestinian cause.
The meeting, attended by representatives from Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, focused on the devastating impact of the conflict in Gaza, where over 45,000 Palestinians have tragically perished. President Subianto argued that economic strength is crucial for the Muslim world to effectively advocate for its interests on the global stage.
“We must work together to be united. We must leave behind our differences and look for the greater good of our peoples,”
President Subianto stated during the gathering. He highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address poverty and improve the overall economic standing of Muslim-majority nations.
The Indonesian president, a former army general, directly linked the ability to support Palestine to the economic and political strength of the Muslim world. He warned against the dangers of division and vulnerability in the face of global power dynamics.
“Let’s learn from the geopolitical situation that’s happening around us right now. […] We say that we support Palestine, but if we’re weak, how can we support Palestine?”
His remarks underscore the growing concern among many leaders in the Global South about the need for greater economic independence and political solidarity to navigate the complexities of international relations and effectively advocate for their citizens’ interests.
The 11th Developing 8 (D8) Summit, held in Egypt against the backdrop of the Gaza crisis, served as a critical platform for these discussions. The summit highlighted the shared challenges and the urgent need for collaborative solutions among developing nations.
President Subianto’s call for unity resonates deeply with the concerns of many Americans who are increasingly aware of the need for international cooperation to address global challenges and promote a more just and equitable world order.