Meeting with the Kuwait Ambassador in Menteng, Megawati Discusses Middle East Geopolitics to Bung Karno's Legacy

The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia and General Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Megawati Soekarnoputri received the Ambassador of Kuwait to Indonesia Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin at his residence in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta, Monday (18/5/2026). ANTARA/HO-PDIP

JAKARTA - The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia and Chairman of the General Chairperson of the PDI-P, Megawati Soekarnoputri, received an honorary visit from the Ambassador of Kuwait to Indonesia, Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin. The warm meeting, which took place at Megawati's residence, Menteng area, Central Jakarta, on Monday, May 18, 2026, discussed the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East as well as the track record of the historical relationship between the two countries.

In the meeting, Megawati was accompanied by PDIP elite, including Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto, DPP Chairman Ahmad Basarah, Director of Foreign Relations Hanjaya Setiawan, and politician M. Guntur Romli.

PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto revealed that Ambassador Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin opened a dialogue by conveying deep appreciation for Indonesia's consistency in supporting Palestinian independence. In Kuwait's eyes, the conflict that plagues Palestine is the last remnant of colonialism that still exists on earth.

Kuwait and the Arab world, continued Hasto, have an extraordinary respect for Indonesia's foreign policy foundations, especially the legacy of Bung Karno's thinking which is persistent against imperialism.

"The Kuwaiti Ambassador praised Indonesia's leadership role in the world through the spirit of Bandung, namely the values of solidarity, peace, and anti-colonialism that emerged from the Asian-African Conference, which also contributed to Kuwait's independence. Kuwait then joined the Non-Aligned Movement. Currently, Indonesia has a very important position in the Global South region," said Hasto through his written statement, Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Responding to the praise, Megawati reiterated Indonesia's geopolitical position which has consistently guarded world peace since the historic KAA 1955 momentum.

"One of the important points in the Asia-Africa Conference agreement is support for Palestinian independence," Megawati said.

Humanitarian Cries and Kuwait's Screams in the Vortex of Conflict

The discussion of these two national figures then shifted to the global geopolitical situation, especially the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East. Highlighting the destructive impact of war, Megawati voiced her concerns from a mother's perspective.

"As a mother, I feel deep sorrow for the impact of the uncertain war on the fate of children and mothers in conflict-torn countries," Megawati said.

On the other hand, Ambassador Khalid revealed the difficult position his country was facing. He emphasized that Kuwait was officially neutral, not a party to the armed conflict, and strongly prohibited its territory or airspace from being used as a base to attack neighboring countries.

However, this neutrality must be paid dearly. For the past two months, Kuwait has actually been the target of massive aggression.

"However, for the past two months, Kuwait has continued to face intensive attacks. These attacks target civilian facilities, such as airports, oil installations, water treatment facilities, as well as government buildings, resulting in casualties. The Iranian attack is also a violation of the UN Charter and the principles of international law. With the pretext that the Iranian attack aims to disrupt the facilities and interests of the United States in Kuwait," said Ambassador Khalid explaining the situation in his country.

Ambassador Khalid emphasized that Kuwait had lodged a protest against this disregard for sovereignty with Iran. Given Indonesia's respected international position on the world stage, Kuwait has high hopes that Jakarta can take a strategic role in defusing tensions in the Middle East.

In addition, both parties also analyzed short-term solutions to restore global economic stability, one of which was urging the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The crucial maritime route must be normalized immediately to secure the supply chain of international trade and the stability of the global energy market.