JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (pic) convened a strategic dialogue with former presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace to discuss global geopolitical developments, particularly the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The meeting, held on Tuesday evening, also brought together several former vice presidents and national leaders, reflecting Prabowo’s initiative to engage senior statesmen in exchanging views on current international challenges and their potential implications for Indonesia.
The Presidential Secretariat’s Media, Press and Information Bureau (BPMI Setpres), in a statement issued on Wednesday said the gathering served as a platform for dialogue and reflection on the evolving global situation amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Former Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said the president briefed participants on the latest international developments, including the conflict involving the United States (US), Israel and Iran.
"President provided an update, briefed about various developments happening in the world, particularly those that have long become the concern of many of us and recent developments regarding the war or attacks by the US and Israel against Iran. The implications for us and the world were discussed,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.
Also present at the meeting were former vice presidents Ma’ruf Amin, Jusuf Kalla and Boediono, along with several former foreign ministers, leaders of coalition political parties and representatives from business and industry.
Hassan said the discussion also touched on broader implications for global peace and security as well as possible economic repercussions, especially those related to oil and gas.
"We calculated all the possible effects on us from that aspect, but also from the calculation of how long this war might last,” he said.
He said the president considered it important to exchange views with national leaders on challenges faced by the government.
"President was very open in responding to suggestions and thoughts from the participants,” he said. - Bernama
