AHY on the Potential of World War III: We Must Do All We Can to Prevent It

Jakarta, Kompas.com – Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), the chairman of the Democratic Party, stressed that all parties must work to prevent the potential occurrence of World War III. He made the remarks in response to the conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran. ‘Of course we all do not want the Middle East to become a flashpoint that could lead to a more devastating war, let alone World War III,’ AHY said during an iftar gathering of the Democratic Party at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta on Wednesday night, 4 March 2026. ‘We must do our utmost to prevent this,’ he added.

‘R residually, retaliatory attacks between the three countries could escalate the conflict in the Middle East to involve the world.’ Ramadan, which should be a time of forgiveness, AHY said, is now marred by interstate feuds. ‘Ramadan, which should open the door to mutual forgiveness, has turned into a gateway of mutual destruction. Ramadan, which should bring inner peace, is overshadowed by anxiety, uncertainty, and deep sorrow. This is very regrettable,’ he said.

‘But rest assured, our hearts, our minds, and our prayers are always with our brothers and sisters in the conflict areas and war zones. Always in our prayers and efforts to find the best solutions,’ AHY added.

Earlier, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), the sixth President of the Republic of Indonesia, admitted being anxious and worried about the potential World War III that could occur. He said, personally, that he prays the war will not happen, even though he is worried about the global geopolitical situation. ‘Perhaps nations worldwide do not care, or do not have power, or perhaps cannot prevent it. Personally I pray to God that the nightmare of a world war, accompanied by the use of nuclear weapons, does not occur,’ SBY said in a post on X (@SBYudhoyono), quoted Monday (19 January 2026).

‘For example, the emergence of strong leaders who crave war and the formation of blocs facing each other. He also sees the build-up of massive military power, including the preparation of the economy and war machinery, as well as a hot geopolitics. ’Very likely World War III could occur. Nevertheless, I still believe this horrific scenario can be prevented,’ he wrote.