Indonesia calls for Islamic unity, diplomacy to halt Israel-Iran conflict

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, is demanding firmer global action to halt the conflict in the Middle East.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. Picture: AFP

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Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, is demanding firmer global action to halt the conflict in the Middle East.

During an Organisation of ­Islamic Co-operation meeting of foreign ministers in Istanbul at the weekend, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said the group of 57 countries must be “stronger and more decisive in reinforcing multilateralism and international law”.

“We must never give up on diplomacy. But we should also take a look at our role in strengthening multilateralism and international law. OIC must be more decisive and assertive,” he said.

Citing the conflict in Gaza, the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and attacks on Iran, he said Israel had shown “utter disregard for peace and stability”.

“The action constitutes a violation of law, undermines the foundations of international law, as well as disservice to all peaceful processes of creating peace and stability in the region,” he said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks to the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation in Istanbul on Saturday. Picture: AFP

On Monday, Indonesia’s Co-ordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, said Jakarta urged “all parties to return to the negotiating table to achieve a permanent resolution to the conflict”.

“President Prabowo (Subianto) is prioritising the protection of Indonesian citizens in Middle Eastern countries and has immediately prepared contingency and evacuation plans,” he said.

The first 29 Indonesians in a group of 97 evacuated from Iran departed on commercial flights from Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday, and will arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday.

They crossed the Iran-Azerbaijan border over the weekend. Indonesia has also evacuated four of its citizens from Israel via Jordan.

On Saturday, Sugiono added that the International Atomic Energy Association had warned that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstance.

“On this note, Indonesia reiterates support for a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction,” he said.

He added that the OIC should intensify political and diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza and accelerate international recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state.

“The continuing horror in Palestine reflects the failure of the multilateral system in ensuring justice,” he said.