Highlighting the Escalation of the Iran–Israel–US Conflict, Muslim Figures Urge Indonesia to Play Mediation Role

Thu, 05 Mar 2026, 20:36 WIB | By Akmal Fauzi | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Politics

Several leaders of Islamic organisations in Indonesia have highlighted the escalation of the conflict among Iran, Israel and the United States. They say Indonesia should continue to push for peace while playing a more active diplomatic role amid a heated global climate.

Jimly Asshiddiqie, the Chair of the Advisory Board of Ikatan Penasihat Muslim se-Indonesia, welcomed President Prabowo Subianto’s expression of condolences on the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. ‘This is very appropriate, regardless of ties between our religious currents or our relationship with America; this is a humanitarian matter that is just and civilised. It is entirely fitting that yesterday the President issued a formal statement of condolence to the Iranian people,’ he told reporters at the Presidential Palace on Thursday (5/3).

‘Indonesia, as a country with the world’s largest Muslim population and founded on Pancasila, cannot accept violence against a government that is legitimate under international law. This cannot be tolerated in the face of the barbaric killings carried out by the United States and Israel against a government that is legitimate under international law,’ Jimly added.

However, Jimly argued that Indonesia’s diplomatic steps should not stop at condolences. He urged the government to use its good relations with United States President Donald Trump to apply diplomatic pressure. He suggested Indonesia could withhold certain cooperation commitments, such as delaying membership of the Board of Peace (BoP) until the conflict subsides and there is clarity on Israel’s recognition of Palestinian independence. He also said Indonesia could play a crucial role in bridging the Muslim world to prevent it being torn apart by geopolitical fault lines.

‘We need to play a role in how to mediate the potential divide from Israel towards the Muslim world, the Arab world with non-Arab countries, Turkiye, Persia or Iran, Indonesia and Pakistan; hopefully we can reunite the Muslim world. Do not allow it to be divided,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Yahya Cholil Staquf, the General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), argued that the immediate focus should be on stopping the war as soon as possible. ‘Peaceful efforts are the only way to stop the fighting,’ he said. He also said Indonesia could mobilise the many forums or international cooperation it has to push for peace, including through the BoP. Indonesia’s membership of the BoP, he noted, should be leveraged as a resource for peace.

‘Whatever we already have in hand, let us use it; if we need to dig a hole and we have no spade, we will dig with a spoon,’ Yahya quipped. (P-4)

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