TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla or commonly known as JK is urging the Indonesian government to play a more active role in easing the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
According to him, in responding to conflicts involving major powers, Indonesia should demonstrate moral support by showing sympathy to the oppressed parties. This is especially true in the ongoing open confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
"Regardless of the country's situation and policies, we hope to show our support to Iran," said JK after delivering a speech at the UGM Mosque in Yogyakarta on Thursday night, March 5, 2026.
While JK appreciates the government's intention to play a role in the international arena, he provides a realistic note regarding diplomatic efforts amid the raging war. He believes that mediating between two conflicting parties is not an easy task.
JK emphasizes that the key to diplomacy at present is not just mere communication, but the courage to visit the source of the attack. He specifically suggests that Indonesia's diplomatic visits should be directed towards the President of the United States, Donald Trump, considering the U.S.'s position as the initiating party in the conflict.
"It's not easy to mediate in a situation where there's already a war. It is Trump who needs to be visited, because he was the first to attack," said JK.
Furthermore, JK also urges the Indonesian government to continue optimizing its role in international peace instruments, specifically through the Board of Peace (BoP) mechanism, in which Indonesia is a part. He advises the government to actively utilize this instrument as a way out for the creation of peace in the Middle East.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, JK participated in a meeting held by President Prabowo Subianto with several former presidents and vice presidents to discuss the dynamics of the conflict in the Middle East.
In the meeting, according to JK, they discussed the government's stance and policies in responding to the situation in the Middle East. He also emphasized the importance of jointly striving and praying for the tensions in the Middle East to ease. "Especially for Iran to be safe and peaceful, also for the wars in Palestine and Afghanistan to cease," he said.
Read: UI Students Plan Weekend Protests Against Board of Peace
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