TB Hasanuddin: Can Indonesia Be Accepted by Iran as a Facilitator After Joining BoP?
Jakarta – Commission I member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, TB Hasanuddin, has voiced concerns regarding President Prabowo Subianto’s intention to serve as a facilitator in the United States-Israel-Iran conflict.
He cautioned that such diplomatic measures require more than political will and an active, independent foreign policy stance. Hasanuddin noted that whilst the President’s intention aligns with constitutional mandates, current geopolitical realities cannot be ignored.
“The President’s intention to become a facilitator in the conflict involving Teheran is consistent with the principle of independent activity in maintaining world peace as mandated by the constitution. However, this intention also requires careful calculation,” Hasanuddin stated in a written statement on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Hasanuddin outlined three primary considerations. First, he raised the question of acceptance from conflicting parties, particularly Iran, noting that Indonesia’s diplomatic position appears to have shifted.
“Given Indonesia’s diplomatic movements that are currently perceived as leaning towards the American and Israeli axis through involvement in the Board of Peace (BoP), it would be difficult to imagine Iran accepting this easily,” he said.
Second, Hasanuddin emphasised that serving as a facilitator is not a symbolic role. There are substantial consequences regarding time, effort, and state resources.
“One must allocate time, effort, and even budget to facilitate disputing parties. Dialogue is not merely one or two occasions. The question is whether the President or the Foreign Minister is truly prepared?” he continued.
Third, he directly questioned the national interest underlying such a move.
“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 interest,” TB Hasanuddin stated firmly.
According to him, if Indonesia wishes to assume a mediation role, it would be more appropriate to focus on conflicts within its own region, such as the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.
“ASEAN is our own yard. This region must be peaceful and stable. That is more directly related to Indonesia’s national interest,” he concluded.
Earlier reports indicated that President Prabowo Subianto expressed readiness to travel to Iran to facilitate dialogue aimed at restoring conducive security conditions. In an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian Government expressed regret over the failed negotiations between the United States and Iran, which have resulted in military escalation in the Middle East region.