Prabowo Ready to Facilitate US–Iran Talks, DPR Member: Requires Careful Calculation

Jakarta – A member of the DPR’s Commission I, TB Hasanuddin, has stated that President Prabowo Subianto’s intention to serve as a facilitator in the US–Iran conflict aligns with Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy principles and the constitutional mandate to maintain world peace.

Hasanuddin made these remarks in response to the Indonesian government’s stated readiness to facilitate dialogue amid the tense situation in the Middle East following confirmed attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.

The politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) outlined three key considerations for implementing this government initiative.

First, facilitating dialogue requires acceptance from both conflicting parties. However, Indonesia has recently joined the Board of Peace (BoP) established by US President Donald Trump. “Given Indonesia’s diplomatic moves, which are currently seen as leaning towards the American and Israeli axis through involvement in the BoP, it is difficult to imagine Iran would readily accept,” he said.

Second, conflict facilitation requires serious commitment. He questioned whether Prabowo and Foreign Minister Sugiono are genuinely prepared to serve as facilitators. “It requires dedicating time, effort, and even budget to facilitate disputing parties. Dialogue is not a one- or two-time matter. The question is: is the President or Foreign Minister truly ready?” Hasanuddin said.

Hasanuddin also reminded that all government actions must have clear benefits for national interests. “What is Indonesia’s national interest or strategic calculation at stake such that we must take on the role of facilitator? Every major diplomatic step must have clear benefits for national interests,” he stressed.

Indonesia is part of a regional cooperation organisation comprising Southeast Asian nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “ASEAN is our backyard. This region must remain peaceful and stable. That is more directly related to Indonesia’s national interest,” he added.