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Prabowo at the 100th Anniversary Reception of Pondok Gontor

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visits Pondok Gontor in Ponorogo to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the pesantren. During the 100th Anniversary Thanksgiving Reception of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor (PMDG) in Ponorogo, President Prabowo shouted “Free Palestine” three times. He remarked that the suffering of people worldwide should motivate Indonesia to build a strong nation.(KOMPAS.COM/SUKOCO)

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended the 100th Anniversary Thanksgiving Reception of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor (PMDG) at the PMDG Central Campus for Male Students in Ponorogo, East Java, on Saturday (19/9/2026).

The century milestone served as a moment of gratitude for Gontor's long journey.

Upon arrival, Prabowo was greeted by thousands of students waving the Indonesian national flag. He was also welcomed by the Chairman of the PMDG Waqf Board Hidayat Nur Wahid, along with Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor leaders KH Hasan Abdullah Sahal and KH Muhammad Akrim Mariyat.

Before Prabowo, KH Hasan Abdullah Sahal recounted the century-long dedication of PMDG to society, the nation, and the world.

According to Hasan, Gontor's founders selflessly endowed their ideas, values, systems, institutions, and their love for Indonesia.

“Hopefully, Mr. President and the people of Indonesia will be recipients of this endowment of the pondok's love. And may everyone love us all,” Hasan said.

Hasan then presented two books, Gontor untuk Indonesia and Mushaf Gontor, to Prabowo.

Prabowo expressed his gratitude for being able to join the extended Gontor family during this historic centennial milestone.

“We are thankful for the health and breath given to us so we can gather in this noble place, for an event as special as the 100th-anniversary thanksgiving reception of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor in Ponorogo, East Java,” Prabowo said.

Calls for Free Palestine

During his speech, while greeting the ambassadors of friendly nations present, Prabowo loudly proclaimed “Free Palestine.”

When the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdalfatah AK Alsattari, was acknowledged, the applause from the students, alumni, and guests filled the room.

“Free Palestine! Free Palestine! Free Palestine!” Prabowo declared.

The Ambassador then approached Prabowo and draped a keffiyeh—a traditional Palestinian patterned cloth—around his neck.

Prabowo accepted the cloth and embraced the Ambassador warmly. He continued the speech wearing the keffiyeh on his shoulders.

“I was reminded of our brothers and sisters in Palestine; they are being slaughtered, bombed, and continuously attacked, while we often feel powerless to help them,” Prabowo said.