Jusuf Kalla Says Trump and Netanyahu Hold Key to Middle East's Future

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla spoke out about the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. According to him, the future of the Middle East is now in the hands of two figures: the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The resolution of the conflict is determined by Trump and Netanyahu," said the man commonly known as JK when met at the peace seminar at the office of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), Jakarta, on Monday, June 30, 2025.

After attending the seminar, Jusuf Kalla emphasized that dialogue can resolve all conflicts. He stressed that war is not the path to resolving conflicts.

Prior to this, former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) mentioned that the future of the world rests in the hands of five powerful men, namely U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran's top leader Ali Khamenei, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"The world's future, in terms of peace and security, will be determined by five powerful men (strong men). The first and second are Benjamin Netanyahu and Ali Khamenei. While the third, fourth, and fifth (even stronger) are Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping," said SBY via X account, on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

SBY cautioned these five leaders not to make the wrong decisions and miscalculations. SBY continued, because hasty decisions could result in death and devastating destruction in many nations and countries.

"History records that many wars arise from the ego and ambitions of the power holders. From century to century, there have always been 'warlike leaders' (leaders who are very fond of waging war). Even though, in reality, people worldwide love peace and harmony more," he said.

SBY conveyed that a major war, such as the Third World War, can still be prevented as long as there is time and a way.

"Currently, the situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly dangerous. If the Iran-Israel War gets 'out of control', the world is truly on the brink of disaster," said SBY.

The 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on Iran's military, nuclear, and civilian locations. Based on the report from the Iranian Ministry of Health, the attacks killed at least 606 people and injured 5,332 others.

In response, Tehran launched missile and drone attacks against Israel. According to Hebrew University data, the attacks killed at least 29 people and injured more than 3,400.

The conflict was halted under a U.S.-sponsored ceasefire, which took effect on June 24.

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