President Prabowo Asks Blinken About Concrete Steps to Address Palestine Conflict

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has urged U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to outline specific actions taken by the United States to address the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The inquiry was made during a dinner hosted by the American Foreign Service Association in Washington, D.C., on Monday. A video of their exchange was shared on Prabowo’s YouTube channel on Thursday.

“What about Palestine? Can you do something?” President Prabowo asked Blinken following the dinner. Secretary Blinken responded by emphasizing that the United States is actively working toward managing the conflict.

The encounter reflects Indonesia’s commitment to advocating for Palestinian independence, a stance jointly endorsed by Prabowo and U.S. President Joe Biden. In a joint statement released by the White House on Tuesday, both leaders affirmed their dedication to a two-state solution, which includes a sovereign Palestinian state alongside ensuring Israel’s security.

The statement further highlighted the leaders’ mutual call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, accompanied by the release of hostages, a prisoner exchange, the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid, and an overall cessation of hostilities. Expressing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, both leaders condemned violence against civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

“The future recovery and reconstruction of Gaza will depend on the continued engagement of the international community,” the joint statement concluded.

President Prabowo’s Washington visit is part of his diplomatic tour, which began in Beijing with a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring Indonesia’s active role in international peace initiatives and regional stability.