Indonesia and Egypt condemn Israeli settlements, back Palestinian statehood bid

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

Indonesia and Egypt Unite Against Israeli Settlements, Reaffirm Palestinian Statehood as Leaders Deepen Strategic Ties

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi jointly condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories on Sunday, marking a rare diplomatic alignment between two of the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nations as they reaffirmed support for Palestinian statehood and called for an immediate halt to escalating violence in Gaza.

The joint statement, issued after high-level talks in Jakarta, underscored deepening concerns over Israel’s military operations, which both leaders described as violations of international law—particularly those disproportionately affecting Palestinian civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. The condemnation came as global attention remains fixed on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have triggered widespread displacement and civilian casualties.

The move signals growing regional frustration with the stalled Middle East peace process, with Indonesia and Egypt positioning themselves as vocal advocates for a two-state solution, the only framework they say can end decades of conflict.

Prabowo and el-Sisi’s remarks were delivered at a joint press conference following their first bilateral meeting in 11 years, a visit that el-Sisi extended to Jakarta after concluding a state visit to Malaysia. The Indonesian leader reiterated his government’s stance that the construction of Israeli settlements—widely considered illegal under international law—further destabilizes the region and undermines prospects for peace.

“We strongly condemn the construction of illegal Israeli settlements, as well as actions that further worsen the situation,” Prabowo stated, adding that both nations would continue to push for Palestinian self-determination, humanitarian aid for Gaza, and reconstruction efforts in the war-torn enclave. The leaders also warned that unchecked escalation risked threatening global stability, including economic disruptions that could ripple across emerging markets reliant on Middle Eastern trade routes.

Beyond the Middle East crisis, the visit yielded concrete agreements to bolster Indonesia’s strategic partnership with Egypt, particularly in sectors critical to both nations’ economic and security priorities. Egypt pledged to expand scholarship opportunities for Indonesian students, with a focus on high-demand fields such as medicine, engineering, and science. Prabowo welcomed the offer, noting that the additional slots would complement existing programs and foster deeper academic collaboration, including joint research initiatives and university partnerships.

The leaders also committed to enhancing defence ties, with plans to strengthen cooperation in military education, training exchanges for senior officers, and joint defence industry projects. Indonesia’s support for Egyptian naval vessels participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions in West Asia was acknowledged by Prabowo as a testament to Cairo’s role in regional stability.

Maritime security emerged as another key area of cooperation, with both sides agreeing to intensify efforts to combat illegal fishing, conserve marine resources, and promote sustainable development in shared waters. The discussions led to the signing of multiple bilateral agreements covering fisheries management, statistics, investment facilitation, trade expansion, and defence industry collaboration. An action plan to formalize these commitments was also finalized, reflecting the leaders’ shared ambition to elevate the partnership to new heights.

El-Sisi’s visit to Indonesia follows his recent stop in Malaysia, where he engaged with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on regional security and economic cooperation. His last state visit to Indonesia in 2015, during the presidency of Joko Widodo, underscored the historical significance of the current engagement, particularly as both nations navigate shifting global alliances amid rising geopolitical tensions.

For Malaysia, the developments carry indirect but notable implications. As a regional power with deep ties to both Indonesia and Egypt—particularly through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and ASEAN frameworks—Kuala Lumpur may find itself drawn into the diplomatic momentum, especially if the three nations align on future initiatives related to Palestinian statehood or Middle East peace efforts.

Economically, the expanded Indonesia-Egypt cooperation in education and defence could indirectly benefit Malaysian firms operating in sectors such as higher education exports, maritime logistics, or defence technology, where Malaysian companies have sought to diversify partnerships in recent years. However, the immediate market impact in Malaysia remains limited, with local equities and currencies showing no direct reaction to the diplomatic announcements.

Analysts will likely monitor whether the strengthened ties translate into broader regional initiatives, such as joint infrastructure projects or energy cooperation, which could have more tangible effects on Southeast Asian economies.

The joint stance on Israeli settlements also places Indonesia and Egypt in alignment with Malaysia’s historical position on the Palestinian issue, where Kuala Lumpur has consistently advocated for a two-state solution and condemned settlement expansion. While Malaysia has not issued a formal statement in response to the Indonesian-Egyptian declaration, the diplomatic convergence could reinforce regional solidarity ahead of potential votes or resolutions at the United Nations or other multilateral forums.

The visit’s timing, coinciding with escalating violence in Gaza, suggests that both Jakarta and Cairo are seeking to leverage their combined influence to pressure Israel and its allies into de-escalation. With no immediate signs of a ceasefire, the leaders’ warnings about the broader economic and security risks of prolonged conflict may gain traction in international discussions, particularly as global supply chains and energy markets remain vulnerable to Middle East instability.

The last substantive development from the visit was the formalization of the action plan outlining the next steps for Indonesia-Egypt cooperation, with both sides pledging to accelerate implementation in the coming months. Prabowo’s emphasis on “strategic partnership” suggests that the relationship will extend beyond symbolic gestures, potentially including joint investments in critical infrastructure or technology sectors.

For now, the focus remains on translating diplomatic commitments into tangible outcomes, particularly in education, defence, and maritime security—areas where both nations have identified mutual interests. The visit’s success may also set a precedent for future high-level engagements, with el-Sisi’s extended tour of Southeast Asia signaling a broader Egyptian effort to deepen ties with key regional players amid shifting global dynamics.