President Prabowo and Malaysia’s Deputy PM meet to discuss global economic policies and Muslim solidarity
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi held a closed-door meeting in Jakarta, tackling global issues including Trump-era tariffs and the Gaza crisis.
President Prabowo Subianto received Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The session, lasting nearly two hours, featured candid exchanges on key global and bilateral issues. Both leaders share a long-standing friendship, which contributed to the relaxed tone of the dialogue.
Trump’s Tariff Policy Sparks Regional Attention
One of the most discussed topics was the recent reimplementation of import tariffs under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. “How could we not talk about it? The whole world is discussing it,” Prabowo stated, emphasizing how trade policy shifts in Washington ripple across ASEAN economies. Zahid confirmed the subject was indeed part of their conversation.
Gaza and Muslim Solidarity Discussed
Addressing humanitarian concerns, both leaders also touched on the escalating crisis in Gaza. Prabowo reaffirmed that the shared majority-Muslim population in both countries demands moral responsibility. “We talked about Gaza—our people are mostly Muslim after all,” he said, underscoring the emotional and political ties both nations hold toward the Palestinian cause.
Prabowo described the meeting as both strategic and nostalgic. He noted that while the tone was friendly, the agenda included substantial discussion on global economics and future cooperation between the two nations. “It was nostalgic, but we also exchanged views on global and economic issues,” he remarked after the session.
Strengthening Indonesia-Malaysia Ties
The meeting also served as a reaffirmation of Indonesia-Malaysia relations, particularly in confronting shared economic and geopolitical challenges. While no formal agreements were announced, both sides showed commitment to maintaining close coordination in addressing international trade and humanitarian concerns.
The discussion reflects Southeast Asia’s increasing need to navigate global tensions, including protectionist U.S. trade policies and mounting humanitarian disasters. As two influential Muslim-majority nations, Indonesia and Malaysia are strategically positioned to advocate for regional unity and stability.
President Prabowo expressed appreciation for the visit, reiterating the importance of open communication between the two neighbors. The bilateral rapport, built on both personal ties and mutual interest, signals an ongoing commitment to collaborative leadership in the region.
As global economic pressures and humanitarian crises intensify, Indonesia and Malaysia’s united stance reinforces Southeast Asia’s strategic resilience. For Indonesians, the meeting bolsters confidence in regional diplomacy. For Singaporeans, it signals the growing influence of cross-border alliances in shaping ASEAN’s collective response to global uncertainty.
Sources: Metro TV News (2025), Detik (2025)
Keywords: Prabowo Subianto, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Trump Tariffs, Gaza Crisis, Indonesia Malaysia Relations, Muslim Solidarity
