Expert Advises Indonesia to Stay Neutral Amid Escalating Iran-US Tensions
Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, with the prospect of war between the two nations drawing ever closer to reality.
International relations expert Teuku Rezasyah said war between Iran and the US would be difficult to avoid. The United States has already dispatched two aircraft carriers to the Middle East, signalling that its conflict with Iran has reached a serious stage.
“Open war is expected to be possible at any moment. In the US scenario, Iran has been positioned like a ball on a billiard table, one that can be easily conquered. Iran is not expected to submit and will consistently defend its right to enrich uranium, which it continues to process secretly for peaceful purposes,” said Teuku when contacted on Monday (23/2/2026).
The Padjadjaran University international relations lecturer assessed that friction between Iran and the US would impact stability across the Middle East. He believes Iran will adopt a defensive posture in its conflict with the US, but has also prepared ballistic missiles ready to be aimed at American military bases.
“For Iran, this is a holy war. It is about defending the dignity of Islam and safeguarding the credibility of the Islamic Republic of Iran, fighting against the United States, which in Iran’s view is the great Satan, or syaitanul akbar, that gravely undermines world peace,” he said.
So what is the ideal stance Indonesia should take?
Teuku said Indonesia must adhere to its independent and active foreign policy principle. The Indonesian government must remain neutral and refrain from taking sides should war between Iran and the US actually break out.
Indonesia must also be capable of securing its airspace, land, and maritime territories across the entire archipelago if Iran and the US go to war. Tightened territorial controls are expected to prevent espionage and arms smuggling.
“With its limited resources, Indonesia must immediately take control of its airspace, land, and maritime domains across the entire national territory. This is to ensure freedom from armed civilian infiltration, weapons smuggling, border espionage, and electronic warfare,” Teuku explained.
According to Teuku, Indonesia must also be bold enough to take the initiative on the diplomatic front during an Iran-US conflict. Indonesia should have the courage to push for an emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Furthermore, the Indonesian government must strengthen its national security system to prevent Indonesian territory from becoming a new target for parties seeking to expand the war.
“Indonesia should implement its Total People’s Defence and Security system, involving the military, police, reserve components, trained civilians, and civil defence. The aim is to prevent Indonesia from being turned into a new target by any parties wishing to expand the theatre of war by involving Indonesia,” Teuku concluded.