‘Om Shanti, Shalom’: Indonesian President Concludes His UN Speech In A Unique Call For Peace | Watch

Last Updated:September 24, 2025, 15:42 IST

Subianto concluded his speech at the UN saying, “Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, Shalom, Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om, Namo Budaya.”

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto speaking at the UN. (Image: PTI)

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday concluded his speech at the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly’s 80th session in a unique way, using phrases that are significant in Muslim, Jewish Hindu, and Buddhist cultures. 

Subianto concluded his speech, saying, “Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, Shalom, Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om, Namo Budaya.”

Later, thanking everyone, the Indonesian President said, “Thank you very much. May God bless us all, may peace be upon us.”

The inclusion of greetings and peace prayers belonging to different cultures in his speech at the UN signified the Indonesian President’s hope for a world where the weak do not suffer what they must, but live the justice they deserve.

Indonesian President’s Peace Appeal

“Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh”: It is an Arabic greeting meaning “And upon you be peace, and the mercy of God and His blessings”. It is a polite and respectful response to the Muslim greeting.

“Shalom”: Shalom is a Hebrew word meaning peace and can be used idiomatically to mean hello and goodbye.

“Om Shanti Shanti Shanti”: In Hindu culture, the phrase translates to “Om Peace, Peace, Peace”. The “Om” is a sacred sound representing universal energy, and “Shanti” means peace. The triple repetition of “Shanti” is a powerful invocation for peace in the past, present, and future.

“Namo Budaya“: It is a Pali phrase meaning “Homage to the Buddha,” or “I take refuge in the Buddha”. It expresses reverence for the Buddha, his enlightenment, and his teachings, and is used by Buddhists to show respect, gratitude, and to focus their minds on the Buddhist path.

Indonesian President On War Situation Gaza

During his speech, Subianto also referred to the ongoing situation in Gaza and highlighted the importance of peace, prosperity and progress. “Today, still, a catastrophic situation in Gaza is unfolding before our eyes. At this very moment, the innocent are crying for help, are crying to be saved. Who will save them? Who will save the innocent? Who will save the old and the women? Millions are facing danger at this very moment, as we sit here, they are facing trauma, and irreparable damage to their bodies, they are dying of starvation.”

“We are all hopeful that the leaders of the world will show great statesmanship, great wisdom, restraint, and humility, overcome hate, overcome suspicion,” he added.

He further reiterated Indonesia’s complete support for the two-State solution in Palestine. “We must have an independent Palestine, but we must also recognise and guarantee the safety and security of Israel. Only then can we have real peace: peace without hate, peace without suspicion.”

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Mahima Joshi

Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a…Read More

Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a… Read More

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