‘Om Shanti, Shanti Om’: Leader of this Muslim country chants Hindu prayer at UNGA, calls for solving Gaza-Israel conflict

New Delhi: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was not limited to mere words. He delivered a message that was understandable to people of every culture and religion. He concluded his speech with the Sanskrit mantra “Om Shanti, Shanti Om”, a universal call for peace.

In his speech, Prabowo invited leaders and citizens around the world to peace and unity. He emphasised that Indonesia would fully participate in making this dream a reality. He said, “This is a beautiful dream that we must work towards together. We must complete the journey of peace begun by our ancestors.”

Message of peace at UNGA

Prabowo concluded his speech with, “Wasalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh, Shalom, Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om, Namo Buddhaya. Thank you very much. May God bless us all, may peace be upon us.” Each greeting has a different meaning and significance, such as “Wasalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,” an Islamic greeting meaning “Peace and blessings be upon you.”

Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om is a Hindu mantra meaning a prayer for peace, and Namo Buddhaya means a Buddhist greeting, bowing to the Buddha. This multicultural greeting symbolises Indonesia’s message, where peace, equality, and inclusion are central.

Firm stance on Gaza-Israel conflict

Prabowo also took a clear stand on the Gaza-Israel conflict at the UN. He stated that Indonesia is ready to send 20,000 or more peacekeepers to maintain peace in Gaza or other parts of Palestine. He emphasised that we will not recognise Israel until Israel recognises Palestine as a state.

We will work for peace not just through words, but through our presence on the ground. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. Despite this, the country is the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping forces.

Peace is a responsibility

Prabowo Subianto’s entire speech left a clear message: peace is not just a dream; it is a shared responsibility. He described this as a way to bridge different cultures and religions and reminded the world that moving towards peace is possible not just through words, but through active participation and commitment.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Leader of this Muslim country chants Hindu prayer at UNGA
• President Prabowo Subianto’s speech at the 80th UNGA was not limited to mere words.
• Subianto delivered a message that was understandable to people of every culture and religion.
• He concluded his speech with the Sanskrit mantra “Om Shanti, Shanti Om”, a universal call for peace.

In his speech, Prabowo invited leaders and citizens around the world to peace and unity. He emphasised that Indonesia would fully participate in making this dream a reality. He said, “This is a beautiful dream that we must work towards together. We must complete the journey of peace begun by our ancestors.”