Said Iqbal Urges Prabowo to Reject War Between Iran and the US–Israel: Threatens Workers’ Welfare

Jakarta — The President of the Labour Party, Said Iqbal, has urged Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to publicly declare Indonesia’s position of opposing the war between Iran and the United States–Israel.

“We urge you, Mr President Prabowo Subianto, to openly declare that Indonesia does not agree, or that Indonesia grieves, or, to be a bit harsher, that Indonesia condemns the occurrence of war. There has been no statement from the Indonesian government,” Iqbal pressed during a demonstration by workers in front of the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) office on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.

According to him, if this attack escalates into war, Indonesians, including workers, will be affected.

“Even though far away, it will surely be affected. As a result, the price of cotton will rise, the price of textiles and garments will surely rise. Then we won’t be able to compete with textile and garment imports from China. What will happen? There will be layoffs,” he said.

He also asked that the UN Human Rights Council, which is currently chaired by Indonesia, designate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a war criminal.

“Because the International Court has already stated Netanyahu is a war criminal. Therefore Netanyahu could be arrested on behalf of the UN. And starting with the UN Human Rights Council. What is the point of Indonesia being the chair of the UN Human Rights Council?” he said.

According to Iqbal, this preventive step must be taken soon to prevent cascading impacts that threaten the welfare of workers.

Earlier reports said Israel attacked Tehran, Iran, on Saturday morning (28 February 2026). The Associated Press reported that the attack occurred near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The attack occurred as the US deployed a large fleet of fighter jets and warships to the region to press Iran to reach an agreement over its nuclear program. Tasnim and Fars News Agency now confirm the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, no details of his death have been announced. Following Khamenei’s death, Iran declared 40 days of mourning and seven days of national holidays.