Jusuf Kalla: Indonesia Should Side with Iran
Indonesia Defers Discussion on the Peace Council.
Jusuf Kalla, the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, said Indonesia needs to show a firm stance toward the conflict involving Iran, especially if the country is attacked. According to JK, Indonesia’s status as the country with the world’s largest Muslim population should compel a clear response to Middle East conflicts.
“Iran is a country that is attacked and oppressed. Logically, we should side with the attacked country,” JK said in a written statement received in Jakarta on Saturday, 7 March.
He added that such a stance is important to ensure Indonesia remains consistent in promoting cooperation with countries in the region and the Islamic world.
JK said Indonesia should not merely adopt a neutral position without conveying a strong stance toward international conflicts, particularly those involving Muslim countries. According to him, Indonesia can utilise international forums to discuss and seek solutions to the conflict.
“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,” he said.
JK’s remarks were made amid rising geopolitical tensions, namely Iran vs Israel and their allies. He expressed the view during a buka puasa event with members of the Korps Alumni Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam (KAHMI) in Jakarta on Friday. (Ant/E-3)
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