What Would Be the Impact if Indonesia Became a Mediator in the Iran-US Conflict?
SURABAYA — President Prabowo Subianto has stated his readiness to serve as a mediator or peacemaker in the conflict between Iran and the United States.
However, many parties oppose the idea, citing Indonesia’s position as unsuitable for mediation.
Baiq Lekar Sinayang Wahyu Wardhani, a lecturer in International Relations at Unair’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, believes that Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy is at stake in this situation.
He noted that Prabowo is currently adopting a bandwagoning approach towards the United States. He argued that Prabowo’s pragmatic approach risks making the implementation of the free and active principle less measured.
This could cast doubt on Indonesia’s credibility as a middle power and cause Indonesia to lose respect from the international community. “The international public will ask ‘what is Indonesia’s interest in carrying out this mediation?’ Here we can observe narcissistic characteristics. I call Prabowo’s foreign policy a narcissistic foreign policy,” he said.
Furthermore, Prabowo has often failed to consult with Parliament on major initiatives by the Indonesian government, including joining the Board of Peace (BoP) and deploying the International Stabilisation Force (ISF).
“If observed during his presidency, Prabowo has neglected neighbouring countries in the immediate region that should be priorities, namely Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. Why not address matters awaiting resolution in that region first?” he explained.
He assessed that the United States would not accept Indonesia’s offer to serve as mediator. However, if the offer were accepted, it would further clarify Indonesia’s lack of neutrality, strengthen asymmetric relationships, and deepen international public distrust in Indonesia’s credibility.
“In calculating US national interests, Trump would ask, ‘what can Indonesia do to achieve US national interests?’ The same question also applies to Iran. From Iran’s position: ‘What can Indonesia do to advance Iran’s national interests?’” he said.
According to him, Prabowo should refrain from continuing the mediation offer, as joining the BoP and ISF alone already represents a problematic step.
“Indonesia does not need to offer that role because it will only increase ‘historical sins.’ I am of the view that Prabowo should not pursue that offer,” he concluded.