President Jokowi Seeks Indonesia’s Role to Overcome Middle East Crisis

President Jokowi answers the reporter’s question after the distribution of staple foods in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, Tuesday (13/6). (Photo: PR/Jay).

Having distributed nine basic commodities in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, Tuesday (13/6), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo answered a reporter’s question about the current circumstance in the Middle East.

President Jokowi said that until now he has contacted Turkish President Erdogan by phone. Moreover, President Jokowi has also contacted Emir of Qatar Syekh Tamir and also Sheikh Mohammed of the United Arab Emirates. “I have contacted Turkish President Erdogan by phone. I have also contacted Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamir. Then last night, again, I contacted Sheikh Muhammed from the United Arab Emirates, we talked a lot,” the President explained.

For the time being, President Jokowi stated that he wants to obtain inputs concerning the basic issue so that later on we can find out the role Indonesia will play. “So in the meantime I have not been able to speak about the role we will play. But, I will continue to phone with countries related to the friction that occurred in the Middle East, especially between Saudi Arabia and Qatar,” the President said.

When asked whether Indonesia could be a mediator, the President informed that as of now we are on the stage of obtaining inputs. “After inputs from all sides have been collected, then we can determine what approach we should take,” the President concluded.

Earlier, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi stressed the importance of ensuring the countries in the Middle East to refrain themselves and take measures to ease tensions. The Minister expects that countries directly involved in this situation prioritize dialogue and reconciliation to resolve the problems. “Indonesia is ready to contribute to that,” Retno said.

Accompanying President Jokowi in the distribution of Ramadan package in Penjaringan, North Jakarta were Minister of State-owned Enterprises Rini Soemarno, Minister of Social Affairs Khofifah Indar Parawansa, President Director of Bank BRI Suprajarto, and President Commissioner of Bank BRI Andrinof A. Chaniago. (FID/JAY/EN) (MUR/YM/Naster).