The recent conflict between Israel and Iran, triggered by Israel’s attack on Hezbollah leader in Lebanon and Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes, marks a new escalation in geopolitical rivalry in the Middle East.

The tension between these two countries has been longstanding. Israel and Iran often clash through proxy groups and militants supported by each side.

This conflict not only impacts regional stability but also influences global geopolitics, including the interests of countries like Indonesia.

As a major country in Southeast Asia and a significant member of the international community, Indonesia has an interest in maintaining stability in the Middle East.

The region is a global energy production center, and any instability would significantly affect the world economy, including Indonesia.

Moreover, Indonesia has a long history of supporting the Palestinian struggle and opposing Israeli occupation.

The Israel-Iran conflict involving groups like Hezbollah and Hamas complicates this situation.

Indonesia must balance its support for Palestinian independence with a pragmatic approach to global stability.

In the context of geopolitics, Indonesia adheres to an active and independent foreign policy, enabling the country to act as a neutral mediator in international conflicts.

Indonesia’s interests in the Middle East are not only related to security and energy issues but also to close bilateral relations with countries in the region.

Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other Gulf states are important partners for Indonesia in trade, energy, and labor.

Therefore, stability in the Middle East is crucial for Indonesia’s economic interests, especially in terms of energy exports and the protection of millions of Indonesian migrant workers in those countries.

Impact of Conflict on Regional Stability

The escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran has far-reaching implications beyond affecting just these two countries.

This heightened tension not only threatens regional stability in the Middle East but also has the potential to involve other countries in the region closely linked to Iran, such as Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.

These countries, already vulnerable due to internal conflicts and external influences, could easily be drawn into a larger conflict if escalation is not stopped.

Without significant international intervention, the risk of a major war in the region is increasing.

For example, Syria and Lebanon are major arenas where Iran has strengthened its influence through support for militant groups like Hezbollah and various factions in Syria.

The involvement of these countries in the conflict between Israel and Iran will further complicate an already unstable situation in the region.

Iraq also faces similar risks due to its significant influence there, both politically and militarily.

If these countries are drawn into a broader conflict, the Middle East will become more unstable, and sectarian tensions within it could escalate into a large-scale war.

Not to mention the interests of global powers such as the United States and Russia, which also exacerbate the complexity of this situation.

The United States has a strategic relationship with Israel, while Russia has a strong alliance with Iran and supports the Syrian government.

If tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, there is a possibility that these major powers will become more involved.

This creates the potential for a conflict involving global powers, thereby widening the scale of the conflict from regional to international.

In addition to the direct impact on security in the Middle East, the potential outbreak of a large-scale war in this region will also affect the global economy, especially through its impact on energy supplies.

The Middle East is a center of global oil production, and any disruption to stability in this region will directly affect global oil supplies.

An energy crisis caused by the conflict will impact oil prices, increase energy costs worldwide, and potentially lead to a global economic crisis.

Countries dependent on oil imports from the region, such as many in Asia and Europe, will be heavily affected by this situation.

Furthermore, a war in the Middle East will exacerbate humanitarian crises in the region.

A prolonged conflict will lead to increased civilian casualties, worsen the conditions of refugees, and destroy vital infrastructure in the countries involved.

Regions already experiencing humanitarian crises due to previous conflicts, such as Syria and Iraq, will face further suffering.

The international community will face significant challenges in providing humanitarian assistance amidst rising violence and instability.

Indonesia’s Diplomatic Stance

As a country that always prioritizes global peace and stability, Indonesia consistently shows a diplomatic stance in response to conflicts in the Middle East.

Through the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), Indonesia has issued official statements urging all parties involved in this crisis to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.

These statements underline the importance of resolving conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue, rather than military action that would only exacerbate the situation.

This stance is consistent with Indonesia’s foreign policy, which emphasizes respect for international law and human rights as the basis for resolving any conflict.

Indonesia believes that conflicts in the Middle East, including the rivalry between Israel and Iran, must be resolved in accordance with the principles of international law, including the United Nations Charter, which emphasizes the importance of national sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution.

As a country with a long history of fighting for independence and sovereignty, Indonesia has a strong commitment to these values.

Therefore, Indonesia strives to promote a fair and peaceful resolution in the Middle East, where all parties involved can find common solutions through inclusive negotiations that respect the basic rights of each nation.

In multilateral diplomatic arenas, Indonesia plays a significant role through various international organizations.

Its involvement in the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other forums allows Indonesia to contribute to efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.”

In the UN, Indonesia often emphasizes the importance of protecting civilians in conflict areas, while also encouraging mediation efforts involving all relevant parties.

Through the OIC, Indonesia actively supports the efforts of Islamic countries to resolve conflicts in the Middle East, including proposing initiatives aimed at maintaining stability and welfare in the region.

Thus, Indonesia’s diplomatic stance in the Middle East crisis not only reflects the fundamental principles of Indonesia’s foreign policy but also underscores Indonesia’s important role in promoting global stability.

Through diplomatic efforts that prioritize dialogue, respect for international law, and the protection of human rights, Indonesia can continue to contribute to conflict resolution efforts in the Middle East while maintaining stability in this vulnerable region.

Indonesia views the conflicts in the Middle East as part of a broader dynamic of global geopolitics, not just a regional issue.

In today’s multipolar era, tensions between major powers like Israel and Iran have far-reaching implications, affecting the international order and global stability.

In this context, Indonesia recognizes the importance of playing an active role in promoting global stability through inclusive diplomacy.

This diplomacy involves all nations, both developed and developing, in creating peace and resolving conflicts peacefully.

As the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia has a strong emotional connection to issues in the Middle East, particularly regarding Palestine and the Israel conflict.

This issue has long been a significant part of Indonesia’s foreign policy, which consistently supports Palestinian independence and opposes all forms of colonization.

In the case of the conflict between Israel and Iran, which is often closely related to the Palestinian conflict, Indonesia asserts that a peaceful resolution is the only way to end bloodshed and maintain regional stability.

Indonesia also understands that the Israel-Iran conflict involves interests far broader than just the rivalry of two countries.

This conflict is also influenced by global power dynamics, where major countries like the United States and Russia play significant roles in shaping policy directions in the Middle East.

Therefore, Indonesia views the active involvement of the international community, including the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as essential in seeking comprehensive and sustainable solutions to de-escalate tensions and prevent further escalation.

Indonesia feels responsible for contributing to maintaining world peace.

Indonesia’s diplomatic approach in the Middle East is always based on fundamental principles, such as respect for international law, national sovereignty, and the protection of human rights.

Through its involvement in various international forums, Indonesia continues to advocate for peaceful solutions that respect the rights of all parties involved in conflicts while maintaining stability and security in this tense region.

Thus, Indonesia’s geopolitical perspective in addressing the Middle East conflict focuses on efforts to create a fairer and more peaceful world order.

By actively engaging in multilateral diplomacy and continually pushing for conflict resolution through dialogue and negotiation, Indonesia is committed to maintaining global stability and preventing a wider war in the region.

Prof. Dr. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, S.H., M.H., M.S. is the former Director ­General of ­Socio-Political Affairs of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Governor ­ of the Indonesian National Lemhannas (2001-2005).