Foreign Ministry on US–Israel–Iran conflict: Indonesia remains neutral

The government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), has affirmed that Indonesia remains neutral in responding to the escalation of the conflict in Gulf states following the joint strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. Director-General for Asia-Pacific and Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Santo Darmosumarto, said Indonesia remained committed to the principle of a free and active foreign policy. Indonesia’s stance, the ministry said, is not only a manifestation of upholding constitutional mandates but also intended to enable the Republic of Indonesia to play an active and constructive role in maintaining international order. “As a form of the implementation of our free and active foreign policy and, of course, the constitutional mandate to contribute to the maintenance of international order, Indonesia hopes to play the role of an honest broker, not as an actor taking sides,” Santo said at a press conference, quoted on Saturday, 7 March 2026. Santo then outlined three concrete steps the government has taken as part of implementing these principles. First, Indonesia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement urging all parties involved in the conflict to halt the violence. The release also called for de-escalation steps to be taken promptly. Santo said Indonesia had conveyed that call since the conflict between the US–Israel and Iran broke out on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Second, the government has intensified diplomatic outreach with countries in the region. According to Santo, the aim is to encourage dialogue and diplomacy. The move also signals Indonesia’s readiness to act as a mediator if requested by the parties involved. Santo explained that within a week, Foreign Minister Sugiono had spoken by telephone with the foreign ministers of Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, President Prabowo Subianto was said to have spoken with UAE leadership, the Emir of Qatar, and the King of Jordan. “Of course, what we want to achieve is a peaceful settlement based on international law,” Santo said. Third, the government prioritises the protection of Indonesian citizens (WNI) in West Asia to shield them from the impacts of the conflict. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with Indonesian missions in the affected region to discuss further protective steps, including possible evacuation. “We emphasise that protecting Indonesian citizens in the Middle East remains the top priority, especially regarding whether evacuation of our people in the region is necessary,” he said.