SBY's Message to Prabowo on the Middle East Conflict: Safeguard Fiscal, Energy, and Food Security

Jakarta – Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), chairman of the Democratic Party, disclosed a message from former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) to President Prabowo Subianto regarding the warming global situation, notably the conflict in the Middle East. According to AHY, SBY urged the government to maintain domestic resilience, particularly in fiscal, energy, and food security, amid global uncertainty. ‘So Mr SBY also reminded or conveyed a strengthening message to Mr President Prabowo to continue to ensure our fiscal and economic security, our energy security, and our food security, but also to continue to work with other nations to seek a solution so that peace can be achieved soon,’ AHY said at the Democratic Party’s iftar gathering at the Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta, on Wednesday evening, 4 March 2026. The support was conveyed by SBY when he attended Prabowo’s invitation to a meeting with former presidents and vice-presidents, party leaders, and ministers of the Red-and-White Cabinet. ‘Yes, last night he expressed full support for the President’s and government’s efforts to seek a solution. He understands it’s not easy; again, perhaps the most aware of the complexities of high-level policymaking is he, having once served as president,’ AHY said. ‘Every era presents different challenges, but the principle is the same: ultimately decisions are often difficult when faced with choices that are not easy,’ he added. On one hand, AHY said, the government must champion national interests for the people and the country, from sovereignty to the welfare of society. But on the other hand, Indonesia also has responsibilities as part of the international community. Earlier reports stated that President Prabowo Subianto convened former presidents and vice-presidents, former foreign ministers, and the leaders of political parties in Parliament at Istana Merdeka, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. The meeting, lasting about 3.5 hours, was attended by the 7th President Joko Widodo and the 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Vice Presidents 10 and 12 Jusuf Kalla, Vice President 11 Boediono, and Vice President 13 Ma’ruf Amin. Foreign Minister Sugiono said at the meeting that the President outlined several matters, including the latest global situation. Sugiono stressed that the President asked Indonesia to be ready to face various possibilities arising from global dynamics, particularly the Middle East conflict.