Prabowo invites SBY, Jokowi to JK to discuss the situation in the Middle East

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto held a meeting with former presidents and vice presidents at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, to discuss the development of the increasingly heated situation in the Middle East.

The meeting, which lasted about 3.5 hours, was attended by the 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the 7th President Joko Widodo, the 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla, the 11th Vice President Boediono, and the 13th Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.

During the forum, President Prabowo explained the latest dynamics in the Gulf region, including the impact of the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran and the potential implications for regional stability and Indonesia's national interests. Participants also exchanged views on the diplomatic steps that Indonesia needs to take amid increasing global geopolitical uncertainty.

Former Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said that one of the issues discussed was Indonesia's position in the Gaza Peace Council (Board of Peace/BoP) in the context of recent developments.

"(BoP) we discuss, but also in the context of recent developments, whether with the war raging in Iran this will weaken, possibly weaken the position and mandate of BoP. We will count again from that side," said Hassan after a meeting at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta.

Apart from the BoP issue, the discussion also touched on global challenges amid the weakening role of the United Nations (UN) and the difficulty of enforcing a rule-based international order, especially when violations are committed by major countries.

Hassan said the President described the current global situation as a challenging condition and required caution in determining the direction of foreign policy. The impact of the conflict, he said, not only touches on aspects of world security and peace, but also has the potential to affect the global economy, especially related to oil and gas supplies.

He added that the dialogue was fluid and two-way. The President, according to Hassan, is open to various inputs from former heads of state and deputy heads of state in formulating Indonesia's attitude towards the dynamics of the Middle East.

"The president is very open in responding to the suggestions of the participants," said Hassan.