Indonesia Grapples with Role in Escalating U.S.-Israel-Iran Conflict
JAKARTA, Indonesia – As the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies, Indonesia is facing growing domestic pressure to adopt a more assertive international role. A diverse range of Islamic organizations and political actors are urging the government to lead a coalition of neutral Muslim-majority countries in pushing for de-escalation, according to reports.
Calls for Stronger Diplomacy
The calls for a more proactive stance have increased in March 2026 following the latest escalations in violence, representing a rare consensus across religious institutions, policy groups, and parliament. The Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) has strongly condemned U.S. And Israeli actions as violations of international law and is advocating for a more robust diplomatic response.
Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), led by Yahya Cholil Staquf, has urged Jakarta to utilize its diplomatic channels to press for de-escalation, including its involvement in multilateral initiatives. PBNU also supports outreach to Tehran and highlights Indonesia’s leadership within the D-8 group – a coalition of developing Muslim-majority economies – as a foundation for broader coalition-building.
Muhammadiyah has emphasized diplomacy as the sole viable path forward, calling for increased coordination with international bodies like the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The organization also urges all parties in the region to exercise restraint.
Policy Groups and Parliament Echo the Sentiment
Beyond religious organizations, policy groups are also contributing to the call for action. The Center for Islamic Studies in Finance, Economics, and Development (CISFED) argues that Indonesia’s “independent and active” (bebas aktif) foreign policy provides a strong foundation for a more prominent role, not as a sole mediator, but as a convener of neutral states seeking to reduce tensions.
Lawmakers from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and the Prosperous Justice Party have voiced similar sentiments, urging President Prabowo Subianto to adopt a firmer and more independent stance. Some have explicitly called for Indonesia to spearhead a coalition of non-aligned Muslim-majority nations.
From Passive Observer to Coalition Builder
These positions collectively indicate a growing expectation for Indonesia to play a more significant role on the global stage. Rather than functioning as a traditional mediator with limited influence, Jakarta is being encouraged to organize and lead a broader coalition capable of amplifying diplomatic pressure. This approach would allow Indonesia to translate its moral standing into collective influence, mobilizing support across the Muslim world and the Global South without overextending its geopolitical reach.
However, this push also highlights a structural limitation. While Indonesia possesses credibility as a non-aligned actor, it lacks direct leverage over key players in a conflict shaped by major power rivalries. As noted by The Diplomat, Indonesia’s potential role may lie in mobilizing a coalition of neutral voices, amplifying diplomatic pressure, shaping global opinion, and reinforcing calls for de-escalation.
Indonesia’s Role in the Board of Peace
The escalating conflict is also prompting a reassessment of Indonesia’s participation in U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace (BoP). Former Minister for Politics, Legal and Security Affairs and Vice President candidate Professor Mahfud MD has suggested that leaving the BoP would likely not cause significant losses and could be done easily if the government is “not being held hostage.” As reported by 360info, President Prabowo Subianto has expressed readiness to “evaluate” Indonesia’s role in the BoP, particularly as the country is increasingly perceived as aligning with U.S. Interests.
Indonesia has offered to mediate between the U.S. And Iran, but the prospects for success remain low. The challenge for Jakarta will be to translate domestic expectations into a credible and effective diplomatic approach without overextending its reach on one of the world’s most complex geopolitical fault lines.
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