Parliamentary Response to Prabowo's Plan to Mediate Between US and Iran
Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Commission I Dave Akbarshah Fikarno Laksono has welcomed President Prabowo Subianto’s offer to serve as a mediator between the United States and Iran. According to Dave, Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy principle positions the nation as a non-partisan actor committed to fostering dialogue and peace. “This mediation effort aligns with that spirit whilst strengthening Indonesia’s role as a nation consistently committed to regional stability and global peace,” said Dave in a statement on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Commission I, said the Golkar Party politician, has emphasised that Indonesia’s diplomatic approach must be conducted with considerable caution. Dave stressed that Indonesia must prioritise diplomatic conduct and remain consistent with free and active foreign policy principles. “With such an approach, Indonesia is believed capable of playing a constructive role in reducing tensions in the region whilst demonstrating moral leadership at the global level,” he said.
Israel launched an unprovoked military attack against Iran on Saturday morning, 28 February 2026, described as a joint military operation between the United States and Israel. In response to this military escalation in the Middle East, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that President Prabowo is prepared to facilitate dialogue to restore conducive security conditions. Should both parties agree, President Prabowo is willing to travel to Tehran to conduct mediation.
Dave Laksono highlighted several considerations that require attention should Prabowo travel to Tehran to serve as mediator. Indonesia must maintain a balanced position to remain neutral and avoid appearing to favour either side. Additionally, the security and safety of the President and his delegation must be a primary priority given the highly dynamic situation in the region.
Furthermore, said Dave, the diplomatic steps undertaken should be integrated with multilateral efforts through both the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In this way, Indonesia would not act alone but rather become part of a broader international consensus.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Commission I member Tubagus Hasanuddin stated that Prabowo’s plan to mediate between the US and Iran aligns with free and active foreign policy principles and fulfils the constitutional mandate to maintain global peace. However, TB Hasanuddin—as he is commonly known—cautioned that this step must involve careful calculation.
TB Hasanuddin identified three key considerations requiring attention. First, a dialogue facilitator must be accepted by both conflicting parties. The PDI Perjuangan politician noted that Indonesia’s current diplomatic movement appears to lean more towards the United States and Israel through involvement in the Board of Peace. “It is difficult to imagine Iran would easily accept,” said Tubagus.
Second, conflict facilitation demands serious commitment. Indonesia as mediator must allocate time, effort, and budget to facilitate disputing parties. “Dialogue occurs not just once or twice. The question is whether the President or Foreign Minister is truly prepared?” said TB Hasanuddin.
Third, clarity is needed regarding Indonesia’s national interests in this US-Israel-Iran conflict. “What are Indonesia’s national interests or strategic calculations at stake such that we must assume the role of facilitator?” he asked.