Prabowo Emphasizes Free Foreign Policy, Palestinian Independence is Worth Dying For

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that Indonesia will continue to carry out active free foreign policy by maintaining good relations with all countries and world powers. However, he emphasized that there was one principle that could not be negotiated, namely Indonesia's support for Palestinian independence.

Prabowo made the statement while attending the 28th Anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB) entitled New Direction of the Constitutional Economic Mandate at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta, Thursday, July 23 evening.

Prabowo said Indonesia was grateful to have a position as a non-bloc country so that it could cooperate with various countries without having to be involved in the rivalry of world powers.

"Once I am inaugurated, Indonesia's foreign policy, we are grateful that we are non-bloc. We respect all countries, all powers, brothers. We want to be free and active," said Prabowo.

According to him, free and active foreign policy provides space for Indonesia to maintain sovereignty in determining attitudes, while prioritizing national interests, humanitarian principles, and respect for the independence of every nation.

The President described the direction of his government's diplomacy as a policy of *the good neighbor* or being a good neighbor for all countries.

"I say that the foreign policy of Indonesia led by Prabowo Subianto, our politics is to be good neighbors, the good neighbor. We are good with all forces," he said.

Even though he opened relations with all countries, Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia's support for the Palestinian people's struggle remains a principle that cannot be negotiated.

"What cannot be negotiated is Palestinian independence," he said.

According to Prabowo, this attitude reflects Indonesia's consistency in supporting the right of the Palestinian people to be free and determine their own future, in line with the mandate of the constitution.

On the same occasion, Prabowo also emphasized the importance of maintaining national unity as the main foundation of the Indonesian defense system. He explained that the concept of universal people's defense is the main strength of the nation in maintaining state sovereignty.

"Now we are building defense strength. But our defense strength is the defense of the people of the universe. Our defense is in the love of the Indonesian people," he said.

Prabowo emphasized that the development of Indonesia's defense capabilities was not intended to threaten other countries, but to maintain the independence and sovereignty of the nation.

"We don't want to interfere with other countries. But Indonesia will defend its independence," said the President.

At the end of his speech, Prabowo expressed his appreciation for the support of coalition parties for the direction of government policies, including in carrying out active free foreign policy and fighting for Palestinian independence.

"Today I feel that I can get support. I am sure that all coalition parties are together, have the same spirit, and are with me," he said.