President Prabowo Holds Key Meetings on Education, Middle East Situation, and Eid Preparations
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a series of closed-door meetings at his residence in Bogor, West Java, on Sunday to discuss strategic issues including education development, the evolving situation in the Middle East, and preparations for Eid al-Fitr 2026.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the president met with several Cabinet ministers and senior officials in five separate sessions to receive updates on important domestic and international matters.
“The president requested updates on domestic and international issues with strategic importance,” Teddy said.
According to the Cabinet Secretariat, the first meeting focused on plans to establish 10 new campuses specializing in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and medical education as part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s higher education sector.
The second session discussed the development of existing state universities, with particular emphasis on enhancing their global competitiveness through partnerships with leading international institutions.
During the third meeting, President Prabowo sought updates on the current situation in the Middle East and its potential implications for Indonesia.
The fourth discussion addressed the progress of scholarship programs for Palestinian students studying at the Indonesian Defense University (Unhan). Teddy noted that the initiative began in 2022 when Prabowo served as defense minister.
“Since 2022, President Prabowo, then defense minister, has invited 20 to 40 Palestinian students each year to study in Indonesia. The number has expanded to almost 200 now,” he said.
The final meeting reviewed the government’s preparedness for Eid al-Fitr 2026, including security measures and arrangements for the annual homecoming travel period.
Officials attending the meetings included Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto.
Other participants included State Intelligence Agency (BIN) head M. Herindra, Indonesian Defense University Rector Anton Nugroho, and Pindad President Director Sigit P. Santosa.
