UNITED NATIONS– Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto opened and closed his address to the United Nations General Assembly with Sanskrit greetings, underscoring a message of global religious harmony and solidarity.
In greeting world leaders, he began with “Om Swastiastu,” a salutation used in Bali that translates to “May you be blessed and protected.” He ended his remarks with “Om Shanti Shanti, Shanti Om,” invoking peace alongside references to other faith traditions.
“Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists — all religions — we must live as one human family,” Subianto said. “Indonesia is committed to being part of making this vision a reality. Is this a dream? Maybe, but this is the beautiful dream that we must work together towards.”
Speaking after U.S. President Donald Trump, who sharply criticized the UN, Subianto defended the institution’s role in global affairs. “In our struggle for independence, and our fight to overcome disease, hunger, and poverty, the UN stood with Indonesia and gave us vital assistance,” he said. He credited UN agencies with supporting Indonesia’s legitimacy and early development, paving the way for “shared prosperity and greater equality.”
Without directly naming Trump, the Indonesian leader cautioned against unilateralism and threats in international relations. “No one country can bully the whole community of the human family,” he said, emphasizing that collective solidarity must prevail over coercion. (Source: IANS)
