JK on the US–Iran conflict: Indonesia must take a firm stance

JAKARTA — The 10th and 12th Vice Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla (JK), has called on Indonesia to adopt a firm stance on the conflict between the United States and Iran. He argued that as a country with the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia should show its backing rather than remain neutral. JK made the remarks after hosting an iftar and Tarawih prayers with the leadership and members of the Korps Alumni Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam (KAHMI) at his residence in South Jakarta on Friday, 6 March 2026.

He also underscored the importance of international bodies such as the Peace Council, or Board of Peace (BoP), in damping down the conflict to prevent further escalation. ‘If it cannot be resolved through a peace forum, what is the point of us being part of it? In other words, Indonesia must voice its stance firmly,’ JK said in a formal statement on Saturday, 7 March 2026.

JK contended that such a stance is vital for Indonesia to remain consistent in promoting cooperation with countries across Asia and the Muslim world. ‘As a country that is attacked and oppressed, we must have a stance. Logically, we must side with the country that is attacked,’ JK said.