Eyewitness – Jakarta President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed that Indonesia will never allow foreign military bases on its soil or join any military pact, rooting this stance in the non-aligned foreign policy established since founding father Sukarno’s presidency, a principle he described as unchanged and well understood by all of Jakarta’s foreign partners.
Prabowo stressed that while Indonesia upholds strict non-alignment and will not be drawn into any war, the country remains open to peaceful visits and navigation by all nations, including refueling access for military vessels and aircraft from the U.S., China, and Russia, reflecting a balanced and pragmatic approach to global powers. On Monday 23 March 2026, President Prabowo also reminding With West Asia in turmoil following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran beginning February 28, which have killed over 1,300 people including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered Iranian retaliatory drone and missile strikes across the region, Prabowo offered Indonesia as a potential peace mediator, stating he is even willing to travel to Tehran to facilitate talks.
Iran’s escalating response has extended beyond military strikes, with Tehran seizing control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor supplying most of Asia, while Indonesia separately suspended its pledge of 8,000 soldiers to the U.S.-led International Stabilization Force in Gaza.
Under Prabowo, Indonesia has actively strengthened its own defense posture, including signing a bilateral security treaty with Australia, purchasing 48 Turkish-made KAAN fighter jets, and acquiring the BrahMos missile system from India, signaling that non-alignment does not mean military passivity.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
