Saat Prabowo kumpulkan presiden-wapres terdahulu bahas situasi geopolitik

President Prabowo Subianto hosted a crucial gathering at Merdeka Palace on Tuesday night, March 3, inviting an esteemed group of Indonesia’s former presidents and vice presidents, leaders of political parties, and previous foreign ministers. The nearly four-hour meeting, framed as a Ramadan ‘silaturahmi’ – a term signifying friendly gathering and maintaining kinship – delved deeply into pressing global geopolitical developments, with a particular focus on the escalating conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.

Prabowo Seeks Insights from Esteemed Predecessors
The core objective of the high-level discussion, as articulated by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, was for President Prabowo to share updates on the global situation following his recent international visits. Crucially, he also sought direct perspectives and wisdom from his predecessors.

Dasco emphasized, “President Prabowo aims to provide the latest geopolitical updates and concurrently gather input vital for planning mitigation strategies concerning its potential impacts on Indonesia.” This strategic consultation underlines the President’s commitment to a unified and well-informed national approach to global challenges.

Among the distinguished attendees at this significant gathering were:

• Indonesia’s 6th President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

• Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo

• 10th and 12th Vice President, Jusuf Kalla

• 11th Vice President, Boediono

• 13th Vice President, Ma’ruf Amin

• Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka

Further bolstering the breadth of expertise, several prominent political party chairpersons and key ministers from the “Red and White Cabinet” (Kabinet Merah Putih) were also observed in attendance, reflecting a broad consensus-building effort.

Indonesia Prepares for Evacuation of Citizens from Iran
Amidst the escalating regional tensions, Foreign Minister Sugiono announced that the Indonesian government has instructed its Ambassador in Tehran to initiate phased evacuation preparations for Indonesian citizens wishing to return home. This proactive measure underscores Jakarta’s commitment to the safety of its nationals abroad.

Minister Sugiono stated, “I have ordered immediate evacuation steps to be taken if there are Indonesian citizens who desire to return.” He clarified, however, that the evacuation remains optional, with the government continuously monitoring and adapting its response to the evolving situation on the ground.

Beyond immediate protective measures, Sugiono also conveyed President Prabowo’s strong desire for the Israel-US-Iran conflict to de-escalate and return to diplomatic negotiation tables. Highlighting Indonesia’s dedication to regional stability, the nation has even expressed its readiness to act as a mediator to help reduce the current escalation.

Sugiono affirmed, “We emphasize the critical importance of returning to the negotiating table, and the President’s earnest desire to serve as a mediator in this complex situation.” This commitment positions Indonesia as a potential bridge-builder in a volatile geopolitical landscape.

Indonesia’s Stance on the Board of Peace
Another pivotal agenda item discussed during the meeting concerned Indonesia’s standing within the Board of Peace (BoP). This reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to international peace-building efforts and its critical assessment of their efficacy.

Former Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda revealed that President Prabowo intends to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness of Indonesia’s participation in this crucial international forum. Wirajuda underscored the President’s pragmatic stance, stating emphatically, “If it is not effective, then we will withdraw. That is very clear.”

However, challenging an immediate exit, NasDem Party Chairman Surya Paloh offered a contrasting perspective. Paloh asserted that, for now, Indonesia should maintain its presence in the BoP, while concurrently remaining open to collaborative evaluations with other member countries to collectively enhance the forum’s impact and relevance.