JK Reveals Why Prabowo Has Not Said Much About Iran
Former vice president Jusuf Kalla has revealed why President Prabowo Subianto has not commented much on Iran amid the Gulf state’s conflict with the United States and Israel. According to Kalla, Prabowo’s muted remarks reflect his constrained room to comment on the war because he is bound by a trade agreement with the United States.
‘Because Indonesia, the President, is bound by an agreement with the United States, which many people including me think is too biased towards or gives the United States too much leverage compared to us,’ Kalla said in an interview with IDN Times on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
As a result of the tariff rules in the trade agreement, Kalla said, Prabowo cannot say much about the current war. ‘(The agreement) binds, so he cannot say much about Iran, because in that agreement Indonesia must follow America’s policies, and cannot oppose the United States,’ he added.
In a forum with former presidents and vice-presidents alongside Prabowo, Kalla said he also advised Indonesia not to worry about the tariff agreement. ‘In the Q&A I said, do not let tariffs make us overly follow America,’ Kalla said.
According to Kalla, United States tariff policy is not particularly important for Indonesia. He argued that US tariffs would be paid by importers and consumers in Uncle Sam’s country, not by Indonesia.
Kalla also highlighted non-tariff provisions within the Indonesia-US trade agreement. He noted clauses that shrink Indonesia’s independence within the pact, such as a provision that RI must align with if the US boycotts other countries.
‘We have to follow American politics; this is what happens. Because America attacks Iran, Indonesia should not condemn America. We are not free,’ Kalla said.
Tempo has attempted to reach Kalla by phone for further comment on President Prabowo’s stance on the US–Iran war, but there was no response.
On Tuesday night, 3 March 2026, Prabowo conveyed the latest developments on the escalation in the Gulf to former presidents, vice-presidents, foreign ministers, and party leaders.
Present were former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and former President Joko Widodo. Also attending were former Vice Presidents Jusuf Kalla (the 10th and 12th), Boediono (the 11th), and Ma’ruf Amin (the 13th).