Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia Blog

Indonesia Has Much to Learn from Pakistan

By

Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia

Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC, United Nations (since 2013)

Introduction

Indonesia has demonstrated commendable initiative by offering to act as a mediator in the conflict between the United States and Iran. However, the reasons why this initiative did not proceed remain unclear. Notably, during the same period, Pakistan achieved a significant diplomatic success by facilitating the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran.

This accomplishment not only helped bring an end to a conflict that had lasted more than 100 days, but also reopened the Strait of Hormuz and paved the way for more sustainable peace in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks at the graduation ceremony of cadets at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi further underscored this national pride. He described Pakistan’s mediation as a pinnacle of international success and paid special tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his tireless efforts in engaging all parties. The visit of Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan has also reinforced Islamabad’s image as a respected peacemaker on the global stage.

What Indonesia Can Learn

1. Active, Consistent, and Courageous Diplomacy

Pakistan did not merely announce an initiative; it followed through with concrete actions, including shuttle diplomacy and back-channel talks, while leveraging its strategic position. Indonesia possesses equally strong assets, yet its diplomatic initiatives have sometimes remained at the level of statements. There is much to be gained by emulating Pakistan’s persistence and consistency.

2. Strong Civil-Military Synergy

A key factor in Pakistan’s success has been the close coordination between the civilian government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military leadership under Field Marshal Asim Munir. The military’s role extended beyond defense to actively support high-level diplomacy. Indonesia could further strengthen similar coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to enhance its contributions to international peace missions.

3. Leveraging Soft Power and Historical Ties

Pakistan effectively utilized its geographic proximity to Iran, shared religious and cultural bonds, and the trust it has built with the United States and Gulf countries. As the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation and a strategically located maritime power, Indonesia possesses even greater potential to serve as a bridge for dialogue among civilizations.

4. Long-Term Vision and Global Ambition

Pakistan’s mediation was the result of sustained relationship-building rather than a short-term reaction. Its success demonstrates that even countries facing internal challenges can play a significant role on the world stage when guided by visionary leadership and well-crafted strategies.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s achievement offers a valuable lesson for Indonesia. The mediation initiative Indonesia previously put forward between the United States and Iran should not be seen as an end in itself, but as the beginning of a more proactive diplomatic approach. It is time for Indonesia to move beyond a passive stance and draw inspiration from Pakistan’s example — showing that peace is not merely an aspiration, but an attainable accomplishment through courage, preparation, and perseverance.

With its considerable strengths — demographic vitality, economic potential, and strategic position — Indonesia should no longer remain a spectator, but emerge as a leading actor in fostering regional and global peace. Pakistan has shown the way. Now is the time for Indonesia to take bolder steps forward.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​