Independence, peace and the power of diplomacy
Eighty-one years after proclaiming its independence, Indonesia has been fortunate to enjoy relative peace and stability, both at home and across its borders. But that achievement is something we can never afford to take for granted.
Eighty-one years after declaring its independence, Indonesia has enjoyed relative peace and stability both domestically and internationally. However, this accomplishment should not be taken for granted. While sitting in a barber shop in Grønland, a lively district in eastern Oslo, I encountered a thought-provoking question about the potential end of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The barber, a Syrian refugee who studied law in Aleppo, emphasized that wars are resolved only when the conflicting parties genuinely seek a resolution. The conversation highlighted that diplomacy and negotiated settlements are crucial in bringing an armed conflict to a close, ensuring dignity for all parties involved. Despite President Trump's aggressive rhetoric, it is unlikely he would seek to involve the US in another protracted Middle Eastern conflict.
As such, diplomacy and negotiated settlements will remain essential tools in ending armed conflicts and fostering lasting peace. The barber's reflections on Syria's ongoing struggles underscored the steep path to rebuilding the nation and securing lasting stability, as the country continues to grapple with internal divisions and external pressures, including Israeli military operations in southern Syria.
This conversation served as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining Indonesia's hard-earned peace and stability, a feat that should not be taken for granted.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post Academia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
