Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Jordan’s monarch King Abdullah II devoted their bilateral meeting in Amman to developments in Palestine, with particular attention to the escalating situation in Gaza and the West Bank, as regional tensions continue to weigh on diplomatic efforts toward peace.
The talks took place on Wednesday at Basman Palace, marking the central agenda of Prabowo’s official visit to Jordan on February 24–25. The meeting underscored Indonesia’s continued engagement in Middle East diplomacy and Jordan’s role as a key regional actor with longstanding involvement in Palestinian affairs.
During the closed-door discussions, Prabowo raised Indonesia’s deep concern over the intensifying violence involving Israeli forces and Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. He warned that the deteriorating situation could undermine broader diplomatic initiatives aimed at stabilizing Gaza, including multilateral efforts supported by countries that have positioned themselves as advocates for peace.
“We are deeply concerned about the incidents unfolding in the West Bank,” Prabowo told King Abdullah during the meeting. “These developments risk becoming obstacles to the collective initiatives that many of us are pursuing for Gaza.”
The focus on Palestine reflected the urgency felt by both leaders as violence and humanitarian challenges persist across Palestinian territories. While much international attention has remained fixed on Gaza, Prabowo emphasized that developments in the West Bank must not be overlooked, particularly as they carry the potential to derail fragile diplomatic momentum.
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has long positioned itself as a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, even though it does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Prabowo reaffirmed that stance, stressing that Jakarta views the Palestinian issue not only as a matter of foreign policy but also as a moral and humanitarian concern.
He noted that recent actions in the West Bank could complicate the work of international actors seeking to ease tensions in Gaza, where repeated cycles of conflict have left widespread destruction and humanitarian need.
Prabowo and Jordan king discuss Palestine within the broader context of regional stability, recognizing that developments in one area inevitably affect others.
Prabowo told King Abdullah that Indonesia is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Jordan in searching for constructive and realistic solutions to the longstanding Palestinian issue. He highlighted Jordan’s unique position as a neighboring country with historical, political, and humanitarian ties to the Palestinian people.
“We are keen to strengthen and enhance this cooperation,” Prabowo said, adding that Indonesia would maintain close coordination with Amman to anticipate further developments on the ground.
Jordan has long played a mediating role in regional diplomacy and hosts a large population of Palestinian refugees. Its custodianship over Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem further elevates its diplomatic relevance in discussions surrounding Palestine.
Prabowo acknowledged that Indonesia values Jordan’s experience and perspective, particularly as international efforts seek pathways toward de-escalation and long-term peace.
King Abdullah welcomed Prabowo’s remarks and expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s consistent support for the Palestinian people. He described Indonesia’s position as encouraging, particularly at a time when the prospects for peace remain uncertain.
“Mr. President holds the highest regard for the future of the Palestinian people,” King Abdullah said. “This commitment to peace and stability is very important, and it is encouraging for all of us.”
The Jordanian monarch praised Prabowo’s willingness to engage directly on the issue and underscored the importance of continued coordination among countries that support a just and lasting solution.
According to Jordanian officials, the discussion also touched on the need to prevent further escalation and to protect civilians, especially in areas experiencing heightened military activity.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian and political challenges, both leaders framed the Palestinian issue as central to broader Middle East stability. Prabowo noted that unresolved tensions in Gaza and the West Bank continue to fuel insecurity across the region, with ripple effects that extend well beyond Palestine itself.
Indonesia, he said, remains committed to supporting diplomatic initiatives that prioritize dialogue, international law, and humanitarian principles. While acknowledging the complexity of the conflict, Prabowo emphasized that sustained engagement remains essential.
Jordan, for its part, has repeatedly warned that continued instability in Palestinian territories risks inflaming wider regional tensions. King Abdullah echoed those concerns during the meeting, stressing the importance of coordinated international action.
The bilateral meeting between Prabowo and King Abdullah included a one-on-one discussion, allowing both leaders to exchange views more candidly. The private format highlighted the close personal rapport between the two, which has developed over years of interaction.
Basman Palace, located in the heart of Amman, served as the backdrop for the talks, symbolizing Jordan’s central role in regional diplomacy. The setting underscored the significance of the discussions, which concluded Prabowo’s official agenda in the Jordanian capital.
Prabowo and Jordan king discuss Palestine not only as heads of state, but also as leaders seeking to navigate a highly sensitive and enduring regional challenge.
President Prabowo was accompanied by several senior Indonesian officials, reflecting the importance Jakarta places on its relationship with Jordan and on developments in the Middle East. Those present included Foreign Minister Sugiono, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
From the Jordanian side, Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II attended the meeting, along with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and several senior government and military officials.
The presence of high-ranking figures from both countries signaled a shared commitment to elevating bilateral ties alongside discussions on regional and global issues.
Indonesia–Jordan relations beyond Palestine
While the Palestinian issue dominated the meeting, the visit also reflected broader Indonesia–Jordan relations, which span education, defense cooperation, and economic ties. Jordan has historically been a destination for Indonesian students, particularly in religious and higher education, while Indonesia has supported various Jordanian initiatives at international forums.
Prabowo’s visit marked his second trip to Jordan since taking office, underscoring the importance he places on the bilateral relationship. The talks in Amman followed previous engagements aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation and maintaining close political dialogue.
For Indonesia, the meeting reinforced a consistent foreign policy message: continued support for the Palestinian people and advocacy for peaceful resolution through diplomacy. Prabowo has repeatedly emphasized that Indonesia will remain active in international efforts addressing humanitarian crises and conflict resolution, particularly in the Middle East.
By engaging directly with King Abdullah, Prabowo signaled Jakarta’s intent to work with regional partners rather than act in isolation. The approach reflects Indonesia’s broader diplomatic strategy of multilateralism and bridge-building.
As Prabowo concluded his visit to Amman, both sides expressed hope that continued dialogue and cooperation could contribute, even modestly, to easing tensions and supporting peace initiatives. While neither leader suggested that immediate breakthroughs were imminent, the discussions highlighted the value of sustained engagement.
Prabowo and Jordan king discuss Palestine at a moment when international attention remains divided and diplomatic efforts face significant challenges. Their meeting served as a reminder that, despite the complexity of the conflict, dialogue among concerned nations continues.
For Indonesia and Jordan, the talks reaffirmed shared principles and a mutual commitment to supporting the Palestinian people while advocating for stability across the Middle East.
