MUI Meets Saudi Ambassador to Discuss Middle East Conflict, Affirms Indonesia Rejects Colonisation

The General Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Anwar Iskandar, and his delegation met with the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah Al Amoudi. During this occasion, Faisal Abdullah conveyed the latest developments regarding the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

The meeting took place at the Saudi ambassador’s residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Thursday evening (16/4/2026). Faisal noted that there are many misunderstandings related to the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has further heated up the Middle East region.

“Allow us to convey to the esteemed ulama in the Ulema Council the latest updates on the geopolitics in the Middle East region,” said Faisal in his opening remarks.

“And perhaps in some instances, there are some views or misleading information; these events are closely related to the entire world, without exception,” he added.

Faisal emphasised that Saudi Arabia has always restrained itself from the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. He also expressed regret over attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, despite their clear stance against involvement.

“Even before the outbreak of this war, we from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have guaranteed that we are unwilling, and we reject our territory, our waters, and our airspace being used as a base to attack Iran,” he stated.

Furthermore, Faisal regretted the attacks from Iran targeting Saudi Arabia. The impacts of this war, he said, are also felt globally.

“And of course, we can see that the effects are very evident, particularly the increase in ticket prices, fuel prices, energy prices, and the supply chain has also experienced price hikes,” he mentioned.

On this occasion, Anwar Iskandar expressed thanks for the warm welcome. Anwar reaffirmed Indonesia’s principle of not justifying colonisation anywhere on earth.

“There are several principles that guide us in understanding and responding to the unrest and geopolitics occurring in our country and in this region. The first is that we are a nation that does not justify one country colonising another,” said Anwar.

Anwar hoped that the conflict in the Middle East could end soon. He also thanked them for the services provided to Indonesians travelling to Saudi Arabia, especially for Hajj and Umrah.

“Of course, as a manifestation of our commitment as fellow Muslims, as the Indonesian nation, to remain together with the Government of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding Haramain, in safeguarding our shared holy land,” he stated.

Also present at the meeting was the Chairman of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Marwan Dasopang. From the MUI side, attendees included the Deputy General Chairman of MUI, Cholil Nafis; the Secretary General of MUI, Buya Amirsyah Tambunan; the General Treasurer of MUI, Misbahul Ulum; the Chairman of the MUI Fatwa Division, Asrorun Ni’am Sholeh; the Chairman of the MUI PRK Division, Siti Ma’rifah; the Chairman of the MUI Infokomdigi Division, Masduki Baidlowi; and the Deputy Secretary General of MUI for the Infokomdigi Division, Asrori S Karni.