By: Aceng Syamsul Hadie (ASH)
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have escalated once again after the President of the United States, Donald Trump, called on allied countries—particularly members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)—to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz. This move is framed as an effort to safeguard international shipping lanes that are vital to global energy distribution. However, for Indonesia, this situation must be understood more deeply as a geopolitical dynamic with potentially significant implications for global stability.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategic energy corridors in the world. Approximately one-fifth of the global oil supply passes through this region every day. Any tension in the area almost always has a direct impact on energy prices, international trade stability, and global economic growth. For developing countries like Indonesia, such volatility can translate into energy inflation, market instability, and increased pressure on the national economy.
Yet the more critical issue goes beyond economics. The deployment of large-scale military forces in an already politically sensitive region risks amplifying the potential for open confrontation with Iran. From a geopolitical perspective, the presence of Western military power in the Strait of Hormuz may be perceived by Tehran as a strategic threat. As threat perceptions increase, so too does the likelihood of conflict escalation.
It is within this context that Indonesia must position itself wisely. As a nation that has long adhered to the principle of an independent and active foreign policy, Indonesia must not be drawn into the logic of global power blocs. This doctrine, inherited from the nation’s founding fathers, underscores that Indonesia does not align itself with any particular power, but instead actively promotes the creation of world peace.
This approach becomes even more relevant amid intensifying global rivalry between Western powers and Eurasian forces such as China and Russia. The conflict in the Middle East today no longer stands as a purely regional issue; it has evolved into part of a broader global geopolitical configuration involving the interests of major world powers. Should the conflict expand into a wider confrontation, its repercussions will be felt across nearly all regions, including Southeast Asia.
Indonesia holds a strategically significant moral and diplomatic position to advocate for a more constructive approach. Through international platforms such as the United Nations and various multilateral forums, Indonesia can promote de-escalation efforts and diplomatic dialogue among conflicting parties. Preventive diplomacy is far more effective than military deployment, which often exacerbates tensions.
In addition, Indonesia must strengthen its national resilience in anticipating the geopolitical impacts of global crises. Dependence on imported energy, supply chain stability, and maritime trade security must become serious priorities for the government.
Ultimately, the Strait of Hormuz crisis serves as a reminder that the world is entering an increasingly complex and unstable geopolitical phase. In such circumstances, Indonesia must remain steadfast in its core principle: not becoming part of great power conflicts, but actively serving as a moral force that promotes global peace and stability.
In an increasingly polarized world, an independent and active foreign policy is not merely a historical slogan. It is a strategic compass that must be upheld to ensure Indonesia remains a sovereign and independent nation in determining its stance on the international stage.[]*
Author,
Aceng Syamsul Hadie, S.Sos., MM.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, DPP ASWIN (International Journalists Association)
