Jusuf Kalla Discusses Middle East Conflict with ICWA, Promotes Peace Efforts
Jakarta - Former Vice Presidents of Indonesia Jusuf Kalla and several former ambassadors affiliated with the Indonesia Council on World Affairs (ICWA) have discussed recent developments in the Middle East conflict and urged Indonesia to advance peace efforts.
Kalla stated in a written statement received in Jakarta on Friday that Indonesia’s involvement in international forums such as the Board of Peace (BoP) should help create peace in the geopolitical conflict occurring in Iran.
“The intention is certainly for peace. But what is more important is its implementation on the ground,” Kalla said.
Kalla noted that the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has global economic consequences, including for Indonesia.
“The Middle East issue between Iran, Israel and America affects all countries in the world, not just Indonesia,” he said.
He explained that rising oil prices can influence various economic sectors, ranging from the rupiah’s exchange rate against the US dollar to stock market movements.
“The effects are wide-ranging, including subsidies, logistics, exchange rates, and shares,” he said.
The meeting held at Kalla’s residence was attended by Al Busyra Basnur as General Chairman of ICWA. During this meeting, ICWA presented several views regarding international dynamics, including developments in the Middle East conflict, Israeli attacks supported by the United States against Iran, and the role of Indonesian diplomacy in the region.
Al Busyra Basnur said Indonesia has significant potential to play a more active role in resolving international conflicts. One of the proposed ideas was the convening of an emergency high-level conference by the Non-Aligned Movement.
According to him, Indonesia has long experience in peace diplomacy and has credibility to facilitate international dialogue.
“Indonesia has the credibility and capacity to organise international conferences aimed at peace,” Al Busyra said.
He stressed that the international community still places great hopes on the United Nations as the primary multilateral institution in promoting Palestinian independence and sovereignty.
Additionally, ICWA encouraged the Indonesian government to review Indonesia’s participation in the BoP forum, which is seen as causing controversy both domestically and internationally. Several aspects of the BoP, Busyra said, such as membership, contributions, leadership, and evaluation mechanisms, continue to spark debate.
“Having examined the developments and content of BoP itself as well as various controversies that have emerged, we recommend the government to review and even consider withdrawing from BoP,” he said.
During the meeting, the parties also emphasised the importance of Indonesia’s principle of independent and active foreign policy in responding to global dynamics.
All parties expressed hopes that Indonesia will continue to play a diplomatic role to maintain world stability and peace.