Indonesia Should Mediate Middle East Conflict: PBNU

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - It is time for Indonesia to take the initiative to mediate the relentless conflict in the Middle East, according to Nahdlatul Ulama Central Executive Board (PBNU) Chairman Slamet Effendy Yusuf.

"The Indonesian government should be able to convince the Saudi Arabian-led coalition state that the attacks on Yemen will only worsen the condition of the Islamic world," Slamet remarked in a press statement here on Tuesday.

He noted that Indonesia is subjectively interested in maintaining peace in the Middle East region, and if the attack on Yemen, initiated by Saudi Arabia is not addressed, it is feared to expand and complicate the conflicts in other Muslim countries.

According to Slamet, the Muslims have suffered major losses due to the conflict in terms of military, politics, social, and economy. "Even Indonesia suffered major losses during the evacuation process of its citizens from conflict-torn countries such as Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and others," he noted.

Slamet affirmed that Indonesia should be serious in mediating the armed conflict in the Middle East. He added that the PBNU will also commend Muslim countries in Southeast Asia that are willing to join in the efforts to reconcile the warring parties.

"Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam are peaceful Muslim countries that can do something for other war-torn Muslim countries," Slamet stated.

He further pointed out that Indonesia also suffered losses due to the bomb attack on its embassy in the capital city of Yemen, Sana'a, which injured several staffers and seriously damaged the building on Monday morning. (WDY)