RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is urging ASEAN to strengthen regional resilience and coordination as the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to reverberate globally.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono highlighted the importance of de-escalation and collective action during a special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held virtually on Friday, March 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of Philippine Foreign Minister Theresa P. Lazaro.

Speaking at a press briefing in Jakarta, the Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang explained that the meeting focused on the impact of the Middle East conflict on Southeast Asia. Minister Sugiono underscored the need for cooperation in evacuation efforts and consular assistance for ASEAN citizens caught in affected areas.

“Minister Sugiono also conveyed the various communications President Prabowo Subianto has undertaken with international counterparts to emphasize the urgency of de-escalation and Indonesia’s role in advancing dialogue,” Yvonne said, as quoted by Antara.

She added that ASEAN members collectively voiced support for reducing tensions in the Middle East while exploring measures to mitigate the conflict’s consequences for the region.

According to ASEAN’s official website, the ministers discussed the broader implications of the crisis, including risks to regional stability, global economic conditions, and energy security. They stressed the importance of safeguarding ASEAN nationals in conflict zones and reinforcing ongoing initiatives to bolster regional energy cooperation and supply resilience.

This latest diplomatic push reflects Indonesia’s longstanding commitment to promoting peace and dialogue, while positioning ASEAN as a unified bloc capable of navigating the challenges posed by global conflicts. ***