What Indonesia’s silence on Iran is meant to preserve |
Indonesia’s response to the unrest unfolding in Iran has been notable less for what it has said than for how narrowly it has defined its role. As demonstrations that began in late December 2025 continue across multiple Iranian cities, Jakarta has confined its public engagement to consular matters and situational monitoring, avoiding political interpretation or forward-looking commentary.
This choice reflects more than caution. It reveals how Indonesia assesses its leverage, risks, and responsibilities when confronted with instability inside another state.
Publicly, Indonesia has emphasized the safety of its nationals in Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran remains in contact with approximately 386 Indonesians, most of them students in cities such as Qom and Isfahan. Officials have indicated that there are no immediate threats to their safety and that evacuation is not currently required, though contingency plans are in place. Advisories have focused on vigilance, avoiding protest areas, and maintaining communication with embassy staff.
What Indonesia has not done is equally instructive. It has not characterized the protests, commented on the actions of Iranian authorities, or offered views on Iran’s........