New York (WNAM MONITORING) – President Prabowo Subianto, speaking at the opening of the general debate of the UN General Assembly’s 80th session on Tuesday, urged the world to embrace unity and solidarity despite divisions of race, religion, and nationality.
“We differ in race, religion, and nationality, yet we gather together as one human family,” President Prabowo told the assembly from the UN podium.
The president underscored the equality of all people, stating that each individual is created equal and endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Drawing inspiration from the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, he highlighted how the principles of equality have inspired democratic movements across continents, including Indonesia’s own fight for independence.
“All men are created equal” was the creed that opened the way to unprecedented global prosperity and dignity, he said.
However, the president cautioned that a world fueled by fear, racism, hatred, oppression, and apartheid threatens our common future.
“In our own era of scientific and technological triumphs—an era capable of ending hunger, poverty, and environmental ruin—we also continue to face grave dangers, challenges, and uncertainties,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on Indonesia’s long history of colonization, the president spoke personally about how the struggles of the Indonesian people for justice and solidarity have shaped the nation’s perspective.
“My country knows this pain. For centuries, Indonesians lived under colonialism, oppression, and slavery. We were treated as less than dogs in our homeland. We Indonesians know what it means to be denied justice and equal opportunity, to live in apartheid and poverty,” he said.
In his address, Prabowo also called on UN member states to uphold the ideals of humanity and not give in to pessimism.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateralism and global institutions as the last stronghold in facing the world’s growing uncertainties.
The Indonesian leader’s speech at the UNGA came immediately after addresses by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Teddy Indra Wijaya, Minister of the Cabinet Secretariat, described President Prabowo’s address as a significant moment for Indonesia to reaffirm its active role on the global stage at the highest multilateral forum.
