Prabowo Sad That Muslim Countries Are "Divided" in Middle East Conflict
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the escalating conflict in the Middle East, including the involvement of Islamic countries that are instead supporting opposing sides.
Prabowo admitted to being concerned about the sharp differences in positions among Islamic countries in the regional conflict. He gave the example of how Indonesia’s friendly nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are on opposing sides in the conflict involving fellow Muslim countries.
“Yes, it’s sad, how can it be, for example, there’s a civil war among fellow Islamic countries. One friendly nation of ours, our partner, say Saudi Arabia, then the United Arab Emirates, also our friend, fellow OIC members, fellow friends of ours, they support opposing sides that are at war with each other,” he said in the programme President Prabowo Answers (Part 2), which aired on Saturday (21/3/2026) evening.
According to him, similar conditions also occur in the conflicts in Yemen and Sudan. This situation, according to Prabowo, serves as an important reminder for Indonesia to be cautious in determining its position amid global conflicts.
Prabowo emphasised that the best approach for Indonesia is to maintain good relations with all parties. With that position, Indonesia is expected to remain accepted by various countries, including Iran and the Gulf states.
“We respect all powers. And if we’re good with everyone, we might be beneficial. That’s what I conveyed. I don’t know the gradation, but if we’re still accepted by Iran, yet still trusted by the Gulf countries, that might be good,” he said.
Furthermore, Prabowo affirmed that Indonesia’s foreign policy remains anchored in the principle of being free and active and non-aligned, as emphasised since the time of the nation’s founders.
That principle is also reflected in Indonesia’s firm stance rejecting the presence of foreign military bases within the country.
“We can’t, for example, allow any foreign troops’ bases in Indonesia, that’s our principle. Always like that. From the time of Bung Karno, Pak Harto, until now,” he stressed.
Nevertheless, Indonesia remains open to international cooperation, including peaceful visits or navigation activities from various countries, whether the United States, Russia, or China, as long as they comply with applicable regulations.
“If it’s a peaceful visit, peaceful navigation to all, all countries want to refuel in Indonesia, we allow it, right? America wants to, please, but if Russia wants to, please, if China wants to, please,” he said.
“So, that’s very clear. And we don’t want to interfere with other countries, we’re open, we protect, any investments in Indonesia we protect, as long as they comply with our regulations, our laws,” Prabowo stressed.