Indonesia’s President-elect for the 2024-2029 term, Prabowo Subianto, has been named in the top 50 of The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims 2025, securing the 18th position. He is ranked alongside prominent Muslim leaders such as Jordan’s King Abdullah II, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ), Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Prabowo’s close relationship with these influential leaders was evident when King Abdullah II, MBZ, MBS, and Erdoğan promptly congratulated him after his victory in the 2024 Indonesian presidential election, signaling their strong diplomatic ties.
“Throughout his political career, Prabowo has positioned himself as a strong nationalist leader, focusing on economic development, food security, and a more assertive foreign policy,” stated The Muslim 500, as quoted on Wednesday (October 9).
As Indonesia’s Defense Minister, Prabowo has made significant contributions to the nation, including his commitment to aiding fellow Muslim countries, particularly Palestine. In January 2024, Prabowo sent the Indonesian Navy’s hospital ship, KRI dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992, carrying 240 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also personally donated Rp 5 billion to Palestine and offered 22 scholarships to Palestinian students to study at Indonesia’s Defense University.
During the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from May 31 to June 2, 2024, Prabowo firmly expressed Indonesia’s readiness to send peacekeeping forces to the Gaza conflict zone.
“If required and requested by the UN, we are ready to contribute a significant peacekeeping force to monitor a ceasefire and provide protection and security to all parties,” Prabowo declared at the forum.
As Indonesia’s upcoming 8th President, Prabowo is expected to face significant challenges, particularly in uniting the diverse nation while focusing on economic growth and social welfare.
“His presidency will likely mark a shift in Indonesia’s domestic and foreign policies, potentially representing the country’s role in Southeast Asia and on the global stage,” The Muslim 500 concluded. (RR)
