Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment: Indonesia's diplomacy in global conflicts for the national interest

Jakarta – The Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment (Menko PM) Muhaimin Iskandar stressed that the Indonesian government’s various diplomatic steps and international cooperation amid the dynamics of global conflict are solely aimed at the national interest. In a brief interview after the opening of the Festival Jejak Jajanan Nusantara at the Southwest Parking area of the Gelora Bung Karno complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, Muhaimin said the core of the government’s measures is to address challenges arising from global dynamics, including those involving the United States and Israel with Iran. Similar discussions were also the subject when he met with ulema, leaders of Islamic mass organisations, and heads of pesantren during an iftar gathering hosted by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta on Thursday night (5/3). “We must tighten our ranks, stand firm in unity, and with that spirit, we will overcome. Secondly, whether through the Board of Peace/BoP, the peace role taken by the President, the diplomacy used, or bilateral and multilateral cooperation, all of this is for national interests. The main objective is for the national interest,” Muhaimin said. He urged the public to understand that national interests remain the priority in the bilateral cooperation the government has pursued recently. Regarding the Indonesia–United States cooperation whose issues are currently developing, he stated that it is within the framework of safeguarding our national power so that industry continues to grow, exports rise, and trade relations remain beneficial. “If there is cynicism about the Indonesia–United States cooperation, for example, they do not understand that this is within the framework of safeguarding our own national strength so that our industry continues to grow, our exports are strong, and trade relations are advantageous. That is the most important thing,” he added. Muhaimin also stressed that the government continues to push peace efforts through active and constructive diplomacy as part of Indonesia’s contribution to maintaining regional and global stability.