Acceptance by both sides a prerequisite for Indonesia to mediate Iran-US conflict

Jakarta — Noer Hassan Wirajuda, who served as Indonesia’s foreign minister from 2001 to 2009, said that Indonesia’s prospects of becoming a mediator in the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel depend heavily on acceptance by the parties to the dispute. ‘To be a mediator there must be acceptance from both sides,’ he told reporters at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday evening, 3 March. Wirajuda explained that the mediator role requires willingness from both sides to accept a third party. However, in a conflict still marked by exchanges of fire and violence, he said it is far from imagining a conducive atmosphere to start dialogue. He noted dialogue usually emerges when each side recognises it cannot win the war. As long as the parties remain ambitious and confident they can win, the timing to begin mediation may not be right. ‘When each side remains ambitious and sure it will win, the timing is, at the very least, uncertain,’ he said.

‘Foreign Minister Sugiono said President Prabowo Subianto is ready to mediate if Iran and the United States wish to open space for mediation. ’If both sides desire (mediation), then we, Mr President, are prepared to become mediator. But if, for example, there is such a view (that there may not be further negotiations), we will leave it to them,’ Sugiono told reporters at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 3 March. He said that statement followed Iran’s stance regarding a possible absence of further negotiations with the United States. According to Sugiono, Indonesia’s readiness to become mediator depends on the will of both sides.’

’Iran’s Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi welcomed Indonesia’s goodwill in mediating Iran and the US, though there have been no concrete steps related to the matter so far. On Saturday 28 February, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) said that Indonesia is ready to facilitate dialogue so that security and a conducive atmosphere can be restored.