High-Level Meeting at Merdeka Palace
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto hosted Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Abdul Karim Al-Issa, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The meeting underscored Indonesia's steadfast commitment to fostering global peace and strengthening its role within the Islamic world. Accompanying President Prabowo were Ahmad Muzani, Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), and Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, Deputy Hajj and Umrah Minister.
Indonesia's Influential Role in Global Peace
During the discussions, Sheikh Al-Issa acknowledged Indonesia's growing influence on both the Islamic and global stages under President Prabowo's leadership. According to Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, the MWL Secretary-General expressed 'earnest hope that Indonesia, under the leadership of President Prabowo, could emerge as a leading figure in the Islamic world's efforts to champion peace.' Sheikh Al-Issa also conveyed 'sincere gratitude for President Prabowo's role in addressing issues and pursuing peace in Gaza and Palestine,' noting that his leadership in this regard is recognized by both the Islamic and Western worlds. This aligns with President Prabowo's earlier statements at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, where he pledged Indonesia's readiness to deploy up to 20,000 peacekeeping troops to conflict zones such as Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, and to provide financial support for peacekeeping efforts.
Strengthening Ties and Shared Humanitarian Goals
The meeting also covered several other key areas of cooperation. President Prabowo conveyed his appreciation to the MWL and the Saudi government for their support of the planned Hajj Village development in Saudi Arabia, a project aimed at continuously improving Hajj services. Furthermore, Sheikh Al-Issa extended an invitation to President Prabowo to speak at an upcoming MWL congress, hoping he would 'carry a message of peace and a spirit of unity to the Islamic world.' The MWL Secretary-General also praised Indonesia as 'the best example for Muslim countries worldwide in maintaining harmony amidst diversity,' highlighting its strategic role in promoting global tolerance despite its vast religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity. In a gesture of solidarity, Sheikh Al-Issa offered condolences for recent natural disasters, including floods in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, and affirmed the MWL's readiness to support relief efforts.
Conclusion
The meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Abdul Karim Al-Issa reinforced the strong relationship between Indonesia and the Muslim World League. It highlighted Indonesia's proactive stance in global peace diplomacy, its commitment to interfaith harmony, and its dedication to enhancing services for the global Muslim community, particularly through initiatives like the Hajj Village and its contributions to international peacekeeping.
6 Comments
Coccinella
It's good that Indonesia is engaging with organizations like the MWL to strengthen its global standing, however, these partnerships must translate into tangible benefits for the Indonesian people, not just symbolic gestures.
Muchacho
President Prabowo's leadership in foreign policy is truly inspiring. A strong stance for peace.
Muchacha
While it's positive to see Indonesia asserting its role in global peace, the practicalities and costs of deploying 20,000 peacekeepers are immense and need careful consideration.
Bella Ciao
The article highlights Indonesia's commitment to harmony, which is admirable, but internal challenges with religious tolerance still exist and demand ongoing attention.
Leonardo
This meeting feels more like PR than genuine progress. Where are the concrete actions?
Eugene Alta
Praise from the MWL means little when conflicts are still raging. Empty words.