Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, highlighting its potential repercussions on the global economy.

The president held a limited meeting discussing the Iran-Israel conflict with several ministers and the Governor of Bank Indonesia Perry Warjiyo on Tuesday. Attendees included Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, Chief Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarta, and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif.

According to Retno, President Jokowi stressed the need for diplomatic efforts to avert conflict escalation in the Middle East as it would not benefit anyone.

"The President's message earlier was twofold, namely, to continue diplomatic efforts to urge all parties involved to restrain themselves and avoid escalation. Because escalation will not benefit anyone," she stated after the meeting at the Presidential Palace complex.

Retno elaborated on how the escalation of conflict in the Middle East could impact the economies of nations, including soaring oil prices, fluctuations in exchange rates, and the rise in prices of essential commodities.

"Each country is starting to calculate what the impact of escalation will be on the price of oil, other necessities, exchange rates, and so on," she explained.

Furthermore, Retno Marsudi mentioned that the Indonesian government has been in communication with several foreign ministers from countries across the Middle East, the European Union, and the United States.

"I have been in communication through telephone, exchanges of messages, and others with the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, UAE, the European Union, Germany, the Netherlands, and also with the Deputy Foreign Minister of the United States," Retno stated.

She added that Indonesia has urged related countries to exercise self-restraint in responding to Iran's missile and drone attacks on Israel, stressing the importance of de-escalation.

Retno urged countries in the European Union, such as Germany and the Netherlands, along with several Middle Eastern countries, to leverage their influence to contain the conflict's spread. She emphasized the ongoing communication among foreign ministers to promote de-escalation and monitor the conflict's dynamics in the Middle East.

In a separate internal meeting at the Presidential Palace, President Jokowi and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin discussed the impact of conflict escalation in the Middle East with several ministers. 

Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday, described as retaliation for Israel's deadly attack on April 1 on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria.