Kiai Said Urges End to War and Abolition of Colonialism Worldwide

Jakarta — Said Aqil Siroj, the General Chairman of the Lembaga Persahabatan Ormas Islam (LPOI), has called for an end to war and the abolition of colonialism worldwide, and expressed full support for the international diplomatic steps of President Prabowo Subianto. The remarks were delivered by the former head of PBNU amid escalating global conflicts that are increasingly worrying and eroding the international order based on law and justice. Kiai Said emphasised that the world is at a pivotal moment in history. He argued that modern armed conflict not only affects battle zones but also triggers food crises, energy disruption, refugee waves, extreme poverty, and violations of human rights. The greatest victims are civilians, women, the elderly, and vulnerable groups who lose the most basic rights to live peacefully and with dignity, Said Aqil said in a press briefing in Jakarta on Tuesday (3/3/2026). He said that colonialism in any form—whether military aggression, occupation of territory, exploitative economic dominance, or interventions that ignore sovereignty—contradict international law and the principle of equality among nations. He emphasised that Indonesia stands on a constitutional mandate that calls for the abolition of colonialism worldwide because it does not accord with humanity and justice. That mandate is not merely a domestic principle but an international mandate that places Indonesia in a strategic position to advance global justice. As a country with a free and active foreign policy, Indonesia is seen as having historical legitimacy and moral credibility to play a leadership role in global affairs. ‘Indonesia should not only be an observer, but an active actor in creating fair and balanced solutions,’ said the Kiai. In its official statement, LPOI supported President Prabowo’s initiative to take concrete and strategic steps in international diplomacy aimed at just peace. LPOI sets out five main steps. First, Indonesia should lead proactive and courageous peace diplomacy, including initiating high‑level dialogue and pushing for a permanent ceasefire. Second, Indonesia is urged to reaffirm its sovereign, free, and active foreign policy, and not bow to pressure or domination by any power. In this context, LPOI also requests the government to revisit Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace (BoP). Third, uphold international law without double standards by promoting accountability for human rights violations and international humanitarian law. Fourth, strengthen national security in an integrated manner through enhanced defence, economic resilience, cyber security, and strategic defence diplomacy. Fifth, consolidating Global South solidarity to create a more democratic, inclusive, and equal global architecture. Kiai Said stressed that world peace cannot be separated from national resilience. Political stability, economic independence, resilience in food and energy, and national unity form the foundation of effective global leadership. ‘The unity of the people is the heart of the nation. Trust in the leadership is its breath. When the two come together, no obstacle is too great,’ said Kiai Said. LPOI emphasised its commitment to becoming the nation’s ‘moral shield’ and urged all elements of society to strengthen national unity in support of Indonesia’s diplomacy that is firm, independent, and dignified. ‘War must be stopped now. Colonialism must be abolished unconditionally. Human rights must be upheld universally. National sovereignty must be fully respected,’ said Kiai Said.