Indonesia Urges All Parties to ‘De-Escalate’ Tension Between US, Iran

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi answers questions from reporters in Abu Dhabi, UEA, Sunday (12/1). (Photo: Rahmat/PR)

Indonesia has urged all parties to avoid steps that may aggravate tension between US and Iran after the US killed Iranian Commander Qassem Soleimani.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said that she has talked to both the US and Iran parties in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) level and has stepped up efforts to deputation and to encourage all parties from jeopardizing the current situation.

“I spoke with Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Minister as President of the UNSC and emphasized the Indonesia’s position (on the issue),” Retno said to the press in Abu Dhabi, UEA, Sunday (12/1).

Indonesia, Retno added, expressed hope that Vietnam will use its power as President of the UNSC to urge all parties to control themselves.

“We shared views on how to encourage all parties to avoid escalating tension,” Retno said, adding that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo also raised the issue when meeting Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed in UEA.

Retno went on to say that all countries worry that the US-Iran tension might escalate into war.

“A war will certainly affect the world’s economy and worsen the already-worse condition,” Retno said.

Retno also deeply concerned on the safety of 400 and 800 or more Indonesians living in Iran and Iraq, respectively.

“Not to mention millions Indonesians living in its surrounding areas. So, if the situation is getting worse, our citizens must also be affected,” Retno said. (EN/RAH/ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti

Reviewed by: Yuyu Mulyani