Prabowo highlights unity, Bandung spirit at BRICS Summit

indonesianupdates.com_admin

2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Prabowo Subianto invoked an Indonesian proverb to underscore the importance of unity in facing global challenges at the 2026 BRICS Summit in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India, on Saturday.

According to a statement from the Presidential Secretariat’s Press, Media, and Information Bureau (BPMI), Prabowo carried the spirit of unity among Global South nations at a limited session themed “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism.”

“There is an old Indonesian saying, ‘Bersatu kita teguh, terpecah kita runtuh‘, or ‘United we stand, divided we fall”, Prabowo said during the session attended by BRICS leaders.

For Prabowo, the proverb is more than a simple expression about unity. He said it reflects a spirit that has, for decades, united Asian and African nations in their struggle to stand as equals, determine their own futures, and pursue shared interests.

“The simple wisdom reflects the spirit that united Global South nations, countries from Asia and Africa, decades ago in Bandung,” he continued.

According to Prabowo, the Bandung spirit remains relevant amid today’s changing global order, as Global South nations, which share a historical experience of fighting for independence from imperialism and colonialism, now stand together as equal nations.

“We in the Global South now feel that our voices are heard. Nations that only recently gained independence, that fought against imperialism and colonialism, are now united as equal states,” he said.

Prabowo said that unity gives Global South nations greater strength to voice their interests.

By standing together, he said, their voices can carry further while strengthening their ability to safeguard and advance their respective national interests.

“We understand that by uniting, our voice will be heard more. Our interests can be better protected and advanced. This lesson remains very important,” he said.

Prabowo’s message at the BRICS Summit affirmed that the Bandung spirit is not merely a historical legacy, but a living force that continues to address present-day challenges.

Through unity, Global South nations can stand stronger, preserve their independence, and together pursue a fairer, more equal, and more inclusive world order.