Middle East Tensions Rise, Government Suspends Board of Peace Deliberations

The government has suspended all discussions related to the Board of Peace (BoP) following the intensification of conflicts in several Middle Eastern countries. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Yvonne Mewengkang, said the government is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the developing regional dynamics.

‘The Indonesian government continues to carry out a thorough assessment of developments across the region, particularly those occurring in the Middle East,’ Yvonne said in a media briefing on Saturday, 7 March 2026.

‘As also stated a few days ago by the Foreign Minister (Sugiono), all discussions on the Board of Peace are currently suspended or, in other words, on hold,’ she added.

Yvonne said the safety of Indonesian citizens (WNI) in areas affected by the conflict remains the top priority of Indonesian diplomacy at the moment. The government is also preparing anticipatory steps to address potential further impacts from the escalation of security in the region.

‘We are focused on ensuring the safety and protection of Indonesians in conflict-affected areas. And we are also focusing on preparing anticipatory measures to address the potential impacts of the escalation,’ she explained.

This step is part of the government’s effort to prioritise the safety of citizens and humanitarian values amid geopolitical uncertainty. She stressed that any decision regarding Indonesia’s involvement in international forums will continue to be based on the policy of an independent and active foreign policy, which underpins national diplomacy.

‘Any decisions concerning Indonesia’s participation in various international mechanisms will be based on considerations of an independent and active foreign policy, our national interests. I reiterate our national interests, as well as developments on the ground,’ she added.

Furthermore, in response to questions about possible recent discussions related to BoP, Yvonne confirmed that there have been no meetings or special discussions on the matter in the past week.

‘There has been no meeting or special discussions related to Board of Peace in the past week,’ she stated.

She once again emphasised, in line with the directives of the Foreign Minister, Sugiono, that all discussions regarding Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace are being halted for the time being.

‘Seems again, as conveyed by the Foreign Minister, all discussions related to the Board of Peace are currently on hold,’ she concluded.