After days of silence, Indonesia has finally issued a statement on the war between the United States, Israel and Iran. The response, however, is strikingly cautious.

President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia is “on the right track” by refusing to take sides. Speaking on March 9, he emphasized that Indonesia should remain committed to its long-standing policy of nonalignment and respect for all countries. Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry echoed this position, calling on the United States and Israel to stop attacks on Iran while also urging Iran to halt strikes on neighboring states and return to negotiations.

The tone is diplomatic. But the wording is also careful.

Indonesia’s official statements repeatedly refer to “tensions” and “escalation.” They avoid stronger language about the military campaign that triggered the conflict. Rather than directly describing the attack itself, Jakarta has framed the war primarily as a cycle of violence among several parties that now needs to be de-escalated.

The conflict began on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes across Iran targeting senior political........

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