Conscience of the Nation Movement Urges Indonesia’s Constitutional Commitment to World Peace
A cross-faith group of leaders and intellectuals under the Conscience of the Nation Movement delivered a patriotic message to the President and the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia regarding rising global geopolitical tensions. They say Indonesia must reaffirm its constitutional commitment to champion world peace through the principle of an independent and active foreign policy.
The national figures include Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid, Omi Komaria Madjid, M. Quraish Shihab, Ahmad Mustofa Bisri, Ignatius Suharyo, Bhante Sri Pannyavaro Mahathera, Jacky Manuputty, Amin Abdullah, Komaruddin Hidayat, Slamet Rahardjo, Umar Wahid, Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, Karlina Rohima Supelli, Gomar Gultom, Franz Magnis-Suseno, A Setyo Wibowo, Laode Muhammad Syarif, Ery Seda, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, and Alissa Q. Wahid.
In their statement, the leaders remind that Indonesia was founded with a grand vision as set out in the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution, namely to realise the welfare of the nation while contributing to a just and peaceful world order. This principle springs from the long history of independence struggle that culminated in the Proclamation of 17 August 1945.
The Indonesian Constitution explicitly states that independence is the right of all nations and that colonial rule anywhere in the world must be abolished because it contravenes human values and justice. In addition to safeguarding the entire nation and advancing general welfare, the state also has a mandate to participate in global order based on freedom, enduring peace, and social justice.
As an implementation of that mandate, Indonesia has long pursued a policy of non-alignment with any bloc, while actively contributing to world peace and safeguarding national interests. One of its important milestones is Indonesia’s involvement in leading the Non-Aligned Movement during the early Cold War.
Nevertheless, the leaders of the Conscience of the Nation Movement assess that current geopolitical developments pose serious challenges to that principle. They highlight the signing of the Charter of the Peace Council or Board of Peace Charter on 22 January 2026 by the Indonesian President together with several other world leaders, including Israel, spearheaded by the President of the United States.
According to them, the move raises questions because Indonesia is seen as joining a new international body outside the established multilateral framework such as the United Nations.
The concerns grew after the outbreak of armed conflict on 28 February 2028 when the United States and Israel attacked Iran amid ongoing nuclear negotiations. The strikes reportedly killed a number of civilians and damaged various public infrastructures, and were then followed by Iranian retaliation against US military bases in the Gulf region and Israel.