PBNU Meets Saudi Ambassador, Pushes for Diplomatic Path to Halt Middle East Conflict
“Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is a virtue,” wrote philosopher Baruch Spinoza.
Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) General Chairman KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, or Gus Yahya, has once again undertaken domestic diplomatic efforts by visiting Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Faisal Abdullah Al-Amudi at the Saudi Embassy in Kuningan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (31/3/2026), amid the escalating Middle East conflict showing no signs of abating.
PBNU Chairman Ulil Abshar Abdalla, who attended the meeting, stated that Gus Yahya emphasised the importance of resolving the conflict through inter-state diplomatic channels in the region.
“Because this war harms all parties, PBNU is pushing for a diplomatic solution, hoping that all sides will halt the current war, and will invite other Islamic organisations to support this stance, while also urging the Indonesian government to press for a diplomatic path to address the current Gulf issues,” said Gus Ulil on Tuesday (31/3) after the meeting.
In the approximately one-hour meeting, Gus Yahya also conveyed deep sympathy for the protracted and widening conflict. He affirmed Nahdlatul Ulama’s position in standing together to strive for peace, including expressing support for the Palestinian people’s struggle.
“NU stands with the Saudi government, sympathises with the Saudi government, and of course sympathises with and supports the Palestinian people’s struggle,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Faisal Abdullah Al-Amudi outlined the latest developments in the Middle East region, particularly regarding the conflict involving Iran and the United States-Israel. He deemed the escalation of the conflict, especially involving Muslim countries, regrettable as it causes widespread impacts, not only in the Gulf region but globally.
“Not only in the Gulf region but also globally. The threat of an economic crisis is very clear,” said Gus Ulil, quoting the ambassador’s statement.
Furthermore, the Saudi Ambassador hopes that Nahdlatul Ulama can continue to voice concerns over the increasingly worrying situation while providing support for the Saudi government’s efforts to ease the conflict.
“The Saudi Ambassador hopes that NU can provide firm support to the Saudi government,” added Gus Ulil.
The meeting was also attended by several PBNU officials, including PBNU Chairman Rumadi Ahmad and PBNU Deputy Secretary-General Najib Azca. Previously, Gus Yahya also met with Iran’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammed Boroujerdi, on Friday (27/3).