President Prabowo Subianto to deliver 15-minute speech at UN General Assembly in New York
After a decade-long absence, Indonesia’s president will once again speak at the UN General Assembly. President Prabowo Subianto is set to address global leaders in New York on September 23, 2025, marking a major diplomatic moment.
A Decade-Long Gap Ends
Indonesia has not had a head of state physically present at the UN General Assembly for 10 years. Former President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) consistently delegated the role to his vice president or foreign minister. His only personal appearance was in 2020, when he delivered a virtual address during the pandemic-era 75th session.
Prabowo’s Turn on the Global Stage
President Prabowo Subianto will break that streak when he appears at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. He is scheduled as the third speaker on September 23, following Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump. The speaking order was determined by a UN-organized lottery.
Strict Time, High Stakes
Prabowo will have 15 minutes to deliver his message. UN procedure enforces the time limit with a traffic-light system: a yellow signal at 12 minutes, flashing lights as the deadline approaches, and red when time expires. His address is expected to touch on pressing global challenges, with the Palestinian issue among the key points.
Why This Year Matters
Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Umar Hadi, explained that Prabowo’s decision to attend reflects the urgency of today’s world situation. “There is a need for us to voice our positions and, if necessary, propose solutions,” he stated in Jakarta on September 11. He noted that while Indonesia was represented under Jokowi, this year’s leadership sees direct presidential presence as strategically vital.
Shifting Diplomatic Signals
Tri Tharyat, Director General for Multilateral Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the significance of Prabowo’s appearance. “This marks the return of Indonesia’s head of state to the General Assembly,” he said. Beyond formalities, the address is expected to signal Indonesia’s evolving approach to global diplomacy, especially amid shifting geopolitical tensions.
Implications for the Region
Prabowo’s speech will resonate beyond Indonesia’s borders. For Southeast Asia, and particularly for Singapore, his presence signals Indonesia’s intent to assert a stronger voice on global issues. This move highlights the country’s ambition to be a more active participant in shaping international dialogue.
President Prabowo Subianto’s return to the UN General Assembly ends a decade of absence at the world stage and underscores Indonesia’s desire to reassert its voice in global diplomacy. His presence in New York, alongside leaders of Brazil and the United States, signals Jakarta’s readiness to engage more directly with pressing international issues—a development that will carry weight across Southeast Asia, including Singapore.
Sources: Kompas (2025) , detikNews (2025)
Keywords: Prabowo Subianto, UN General Assembly, Indonesia Diplomacy, New York Speech, Global Politics
