SBY Warns of the Risk of a Regional War that Will Spread to Drag NATO

JAKARTA - The 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) assessed that the conflict between Iran and Israel and the United States has the potential to spread and have global impacts if it is not immediately quelled through diplomatic channels.

In a dialogue broadcast through his official YouTube account on Tuesday, March 3, SBY reminded that the escalation in recent days showed a situation that was increasingly worrying.

"If this war escalates, the implications will not only be for the Middle East, but also many other regions in the world," said SBY.

He highlighted the increasing tensions, including Iran's threats against US military installations in the Middle East region as well as the potential involvement of Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.

"This has become a regional war because there is reciprocal action between countries," he said.

SBY also touched on the possible implications of Article 5 of NATO which could drag the alliance's member countries if the escalation continues. In addition, he reminded of the potential involvement of major powers such as Russia, China, and North Korea.

"This is very dangerous. Hopefully it won't get there," he said.

According to him, the conflict is not only military and political in dimension, but also risks causing global economic disruption, especially in the energy sector and international trade which are very sensitive to turmoil in the Middle East.

SBY revealed that he had also met with the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto to exchange views on the geopolitical dynamics, including the opportunity for Indonesia's contribution in encouraging the resolution of conflicts in the Middle East.

During the meeting, SBY said, the importance of Indonesia's active role as a country with a free foreign policy was discussed to encourage de-escalation and peaceful solutions.

"We hope that all parties will refrain and give space for diplomacy. A peaceful settlement is the only way for this conflict not to develop into a larger global crisis," said SBY.