Indonesia and Turkey reaffirm support for Palestinian independence and Gaza rebuilding

Prabowo and Erdogan commit to joint humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in Middle East peace.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (L) speak during a joint press conference after their meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye, on April 10, 2025. Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In a powerful show of unity, Indonesia and Turkey reaffirmed support for Palestinian independence and Gaza rebuilding during a high-level state visit by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Ankara. The commitment was made public in a joint statement released after President Prabowo’s meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Turkish Presidential Palace on Thursday.

The bilateral talks, held in the heart of Ankara, highlighted the shared vision of both nations to play a more active role in resolving pressing global issues—chief among them, the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the long-standing Palestinian struggle for independence. The leaders emphasized their dedication to humanitarian cooperation and their aligned positions in various international forums.

"We appreciate Indonesia's stance on the Palestinian issue," Erdogan stated during a press briefing following the bilateral meeting. "In the near future, we will continue to work with Indonesia to rebuild Gaza and defend Palestinian interests."

For President Erdogan, Turkey’s support for Palestine is not new—but this renewed alignment with Indonesia under Prabowo's leadership signals a strengthening of regional diplomacy. It also paves the way for joint initiatives aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilians continue to face the brunt of conflict.

President Prabowo responded in kind, expressing Indonesia’s unwavering support for Palestinian statehood. "We will continue to support Palestinian independence together," he said. "We also support stability in Syria and peace in Ukraine. We agree to continue to help each other."

The joint statement wasn’t limited to Palestine. Both leaders voiced mutual concerns about other key international issues. These included the ongoing war in Ukraine, the fragile situation in Syria, and the broader goal of maintaining peace and stability in the region. The unity of voice between Indonesia and Turkey on these matters showcases their growing alignment as influential players in global diplomacy.

President Erdogan further emphasized their cooperation in multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations (UN), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), G20, D8, and MIKTA. He noted that collaborative efforts through these platforms are critical in creating lasting solutions and pushing forward humanitarian agendas.

Erdogan’s praise for Indonesia’s active diplomatic role reflects a recognition of Jakarta’s increasing presence on the global stage, especially in matters involving Islamic solidarity and humanitarian response.

One of the most urgent points of agreement was the reconstruction of Gaza, a territory devastated by prolonged conflict and a crumbling infrastructure. The leaders agreed that rebuilding efforts should not only focus on physical reconstruction but also on restoring essential services, education, and healthcare systems.

Although the joint statement did not provide a detailed breakdown of the aid plan, both governments have expressed their willingness to work closely with NGOs, international relief agencies, and Palestinian authorities to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.

Analysts see this collaboration as a strategic move for both countries. For Turkey, it solidifies its position as a key regional power advocating for Palestinian rights. For Indonesia, it reaffirms its longstanding foreign policy principle of supporting decolonization and self-determination—values deeply rooted in the nation's post-independence identity.

President Prabowo’s visit to Ankara was more than ceremonial—it represented a turning point in Indonesia-Turkey relations. This was his first official state visit to Turkey since taking office, and it followed President Erdogan’s earlier visit to Jakarta. The reciprocal nature of the visits underlines the importance both nations place on their strategic partnership.

The discussions also extended beyond geopolitics. Both leaders reaffirmed their desire to enhance economic cooperation, particularly in defense and technology, and to facilitate more cultural and educational exchanges. In recent years, Turkish and Indonesian industries have found common ground in the development of defense technologies, and this state visit further reinforced their shared interest in deepening this partnership.

The unity expressed by Indonesia and Turkey comes at a time when many Muslim-majority nations are grappling with internal strife and external pressures. Their joint voice in supporting Palestine and pushing for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts is a significant reminder of the potential power of Muslim solidarity in international affairs.

As the world continues to face uncertainty, from protracted wars to economic instability, strong partnerships like that between Jakarta and Ankara offer a beacon of hope for multilateral cooperation grounded in shared values and humanitarian principles.

While the MoU and statements released during this visit lay down a strong foundation, the real challenge lies in implementation. How Indonesia and Turkey will translate their promises into actionable outcomes—especially in Gaza—will be closely watched by the international community.

For now, however, the reaffirmation that Indonesia and Turkey support Palestinian independence and Gaza rebuilding stands as a meaningful declaration in an increasingly polarized world.

It signals a return to principled diplomacy, where nations stand by the values of justice, peace, and mutual support—not just in words, but in action.

As President Prabowo concluded his visit, the tone was clear: this is just the beginning of a deeper, broader, and more purposeful partnership between two nations that share both vision and values.