Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was included in The Muslim 500: 500 most influential Muslims on this planet 2026an annual publication issued by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center (RISSC) in Jordan. In its latest edition, RISSC ranks Prabowo fifteenth, making him one of the crucial influential Muslim leaders on this planet.
Prabowo’s name is on the list of fifty most vital figures, an inventory largely dominated by scientists and heads of state. In its report, RISSC describes Prabowo as a nationalist figure who emphasizes economic development, food security and a powerful foreign policy stance.
The institution also notes that Indonesia’s policy direction under Prabowo’s leadership has the potential to shape political dynamics in Southeast Asia and even at the worldwide level.
What is it? Muslim 500?
The 500 Muslims list was first published in 2009 and has since develop into an annual publication showcasing 500 influential Muslims from all over the world. RISSC compiles this list based on a person’s level of influence – positive or negative – within the religious, social, political, cultural, economic, scientific and technological spheres.
Selection relies on social indicators, public opinion and expert assessment. The RISSC also divides the mentioned figures into 13 groups, including scholars or ulama, politicians and heads of state, religious officials, preachers, humanitarian and philanthropic activists, scientists and academicians, artists, Quran reciters, media personalities, influential people and even extremist groups.
The people featured come from various regions on all continents, reflecting their diverse backgrounds and areas of activity.
Prabowo amongst world leaders
Prabowo’s position in fifteenth place places him alongside several key leaders of the Muslim world. The list also includes Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (Emir of Qatar), King Abdullah II of Jordan, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (President of Turkey) and Anwar Ibrahim (Prime Minister of Malaysia).
Eminent scholars resembling Sheikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani of Pakistan and Sheikh Salman Al-Ouda of Saudi Arabia also contributed to the publication.
RISSC writes that “as the brand new president, Prabowo faces a serious task: uniting a various nation while delivering on guarantees of economic growth and improved prosperity.” The assessment comes alongside comments on Indonesia’s economic direction and foreign policy, that are seen as opening a brand new chapter for Indonesia’s role within the region.
In the identical report, RISSC also notes several controversies involving Prabowo’s military service, including the East Timor tragedy and the kidnapping of activists in 1998, while stating that Prabowo denied all allegations.
Indonesia’s position in foreign policy under Prabowo
During his first 12 months in office, Prabowo consistently emphasized Indonesia’s position on the Palestinian issue. The government has repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions and supported South Africa’s case against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Indonesia also provided an official legal opinion supporting the arguments presented within the case.
Indonesia’s support for Palestine has also been evident in various world forums. At the UN General Assembly in September 2025, Prabowo declared Indonesia’s readiness to deploy peacekeeping forces within the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, Indonesia joined the conference initiated by France and Saudi Arabia, which aimed to speed up the implementation of the two-state solution. The conference declaration was ultimately adopted by the UN with the support of 142 countries.
