Racing for peace: Indonesia’s move to blunt Mideast escalation

Tensions in the Middle East surged after military strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, igniting fears of a wider war. In response, Indonesia has mobilized its diplomatic corps to engage with key stakeholders in the region. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry emphasized that an escalation would have catastrophic consequences for global stability and the world economy. Jakarta is calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to the negotiating table, leveraging its position as a significant voice in the Global South and the Muslim world to bridge gaps between conflicting parties.