Prabowo Subianto in the headlines as Indonesia treads hard on Gaza-related peace talks and defense ties; longtime ex-general now president since 2024. Bio: Indonesian politician, businessman, retired military officer.
Indonesia's foreign ministry proposed mediating between Iran and the US, with President Prabowo willing to travel to Tehran. The move has sparked domestic criticism over Indonesia's foreign policy, its support for Palestine, and its involvement in the Gaza conflict amid regional tensions.
Iran's military announced plans to target energy and communication facilities in the Gulf, including nuclear power plants, if US Marines land in the region. The US and Israel are considering military options amid rising tensions and threats of escalation.
French President Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi signed agreements on nuclear energy, rare earths, space, and defense cooperation during Macron's visit to Japan. They emphasized de-escalating regional conflicts and strengthening their partnership to counter regional security threats and resource dependencies.
The US President has indicated a willingness to use military force to take control of Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal, to pressure Tehran’s economy. Discussions include possible ground invasion, blockades, and targeting Iran’s nuclear stockpile, with officials weighing risks and strategic benefits.
On March 29-30, 2026, three Indonesian UN peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon during escalating Israeli military operations against Hezbollah. A UN probe attributes one death to Israeli tank fire and two others to a Hezbollah-placed improvised explosive device. Investigations continue amid calls from Indonesia for accountability and enhanced protection for peacekeepers.
South Korea and France have agreed to cooperate on efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, as regional tensions rise. The leaders emphasized joint efforts to stabilize the area, with no specific military plans announced. The story follows recent diplomatic meetings amid global energy concerns.
Since the Iran war began in February 2026, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have driven global fossil fuel prices higher and exposed vulnerabilities in energy supply. Europe is accelerating plans to reduce fossil fuel dependence, while China has solidified its dominance in renewable energy manufacturing, exporting record volumes of solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles. This shift is reshaping global energy geopolitics.
Indonesia is considering a US proposal for military overflight rights as part of a broader defense partnership. The proposal, which involves US military aircraft accessing Indonesian airspace, is still under discussion, with Indonesia emphasizing its sovereignty and national interests. The US and Indonesia are reviewing the details amid ongoing diplomatic talks.
Indonesia has announced an upgraded defense partnership with the US, focusing on military modernization, training, and operational cooperation. The agreement aims to reinforce regional stability and includes discussions on US military aircraft access over Indonesian airspace. Indonesia maintains a non-aligned stance but is engaging with multiple global powers.
The US Treasury has extended a 30-day waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil loaded onto ships by April 24, aiming to stabilize global energy markets amid the US-Israeli war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US has ended the waiver for Iranian oil, enforcing a blockade that will force Iran to shutter production soon.
Indonesia has signed a deal with Russia to import 100 million barrels of oil at a special price, with an option for an additional 50 million barrels. The country is also exploring domestic gas reserves after discovering a giant offshore field, aiming to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern imports amid global energy tensions.
The veteran Azerbaijani opposition leader, Karimli, has been detained since November in a high-security facility. He has framed his arrest as part of a broader crackdown on dissent, urging Western partners to press the government amid rights concerns. Trials have been delayed, and rights groups report hundreds detained as political prisoners.