Former Minister Calls for Diplomacy as First Resort Amid Global Trust Deficit
- 26 Feb 2026 11:02 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Former Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa underscored the primacy of diplomacy in resolving conflicts, warning that mediation and negotiation cannot succeed without trust, patience, and persistence.
Speaking at a public discussion on women, peace, and security in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, he highlighted the growing risks of global conflict amid leadership crises and eroding confidence between nations.
“Diplomacy must be prioritized. It is the multiplier of strength for countries that may otherwise be seen as weak in other areas,” Marty said, stressing that diplomacy creates a more level playing field in international relations.
He noted that successful mediation requires “near-limitless patience and perseverance,” recalling moments in negotiations where silence was sometimes necessary to temper egos and open pathways to peace.
“Time and again, we see conflicts persist despite genuine efforts at dialogue. What is needed are resilient individuals who can rise again after setbacks,” he added.
Beyond diplomacy and persistence, Marty emphasized impartiality, empathy, and the ability to build communication bridges as critical traits for mediators.
He observed that such qualities are often found in women, yet their participation in formal peace processes remains strikingly low, only about seven percent of negotiators and 14 percent of mediators worldwide.
This imbalance, he argued, reflects gatekeeping that limits women’s involvement. He urged greater recognition of women’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding.
“What we need is for women not only to gain access but to demonstrate the contributions they can and must make. This is not just for their benefit, but for all of us,” Marty concluded. ***
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