Prabowo: Indonesia Must Prepare for Difficulties Caused by War

President Prabowo Subianto has issued a warning about difficult times ahead for Indonesian society. According to Prabowo, the Indonesian nation must prepare to navigate hardship resulting from war in the Middle East.

“Due to war in the Middle East, we must be ready to face difficulties,” Prabowo said during a virtual ceremony inaugurating 218 bridges on Monday, 9 March 2026.

According to Prabowo, great powers currently engaged in conflict could draw other nations into the crisis. “We are in a world full of danger. Great powers are in conflict and could drag other nations into difficult circumstances,” he stated.

Prabowo said Indonesia could experience difficulties as a result of the war. Although Indonesia is located far from the conflict zone, Prabowo noted that the war in the region will affect Indonesia.

According to Prabowo, Indonesia cannot hide from the problems that will arise. He expressed his desire to address these difficulties directly. “We must be brave in facing difficulties, we will not hide the difficulties, we will not pretend difficulties do not exist,” he said.

Prabowo stated he will discuss the current situation with all Indonesian citizens in the near future. “I must be honest with all citizens and I will brief the entire Indonesian nation soon,” he said.

The Middle Eastern situation previously intensified after the United States military and Israel conducted airstrikes on Iran on 28 February 2026. The airstrikes on Tehran, Iran’s capital, killed several leaders of the Islamic Republic, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran launched retaliatory attacks on Israeli territory and neighbouring countries hosting US military bases. Strikes between the US-Israel coalition and Iran have continued to escalate.

Indonesia, Prabowo said, has taken the correct stance by remaining neutral. “Our nation and our country are on the correct path, we are on the path of non-alignment. We have always been on the path of free and active, non-bloc policy,” he said.