Indonesia's Foreign Minister Reacts After Netanyahu Cites Prabowo's UN Speech

September 27, 2025 | 11:30 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks that referenced President Prabowo Subianto’s speech during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday, September 26, 2025, Sugiono said any vision involving Israel must begin with the recognition of Palestinian independence and sovereignty.

“So, any vision must begin from there. We won’t discuss anything else before the first step, which is recognition of Palestinian independence and sovereignty, and that is what we will do,” Sugiono emphasized, as quoted by Antara.

Netanyahu, speaking earlier that day on the final session of the UNGA General Debate, claimed that he and other leaders had taken note of President Prabowo’s “passionate words.”

“I took note of the encouraging words spoken here by the president of Indonesia. This is the country with the largest Muslim population of all nations. It's also a sign of what could come,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu asserted that progressive Arab and Muslim leaders recognize the benefits of working with Israel, pointing to its technological expertise in medicine, science, agriculture, water, defense, and artificial intelligence.

“In the coming years, the Middle East will look very different. Those fighting Israel today will disappear. Brave peacemakers will take their place,” he said.

He also pushed back against allegations that Israel is deliberately starving Palestinians in Gaza. Netanyahu claimed that Israel has been delivering over two million tons of food to Gaza every day—enough for nearly 3,000 calories per person.

“Since the beginning of the war, Israel has led into Gaza more than two million tons of food and aid. Nearly 3,000 calories per person, per day. If there are Gazans who don't have enough food, it's because Hamas is stealing it,” he said.

However, the Gaza Ministry of Health has reported starkly different figures. As of early September, 404 Palestinians—including 141 children—have died from malnutrition. In August alone, 185 people succumbed to starvation, marking the deadliest month since Israel tightened its blockade in March 2025.

Authorities in Gaza also estimate that 43,000 toddlers and more than 55,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are currently suffering from malnutrition.

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