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Indonesia initially sends only ambassador to Iran after Khamenei funeral
A former Indonesian envoy said Iran’s efforts to invite the government went unanswered, raising questions about whether US fears drove Jakarta’s “free and active” foreign policy.
Indonesia sent only its ambassador, at first, to attend the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran earlier this month, a decision that prompted questions about Jakarta’s non-aligned foreign policy and the coherence of President Prabowo Subianto’s “good-neighbour” diplomacy, according to SCMP Economy.
Dino Patti Djalal, a former Indonesian ambassador, said in a July 6 social media post that the minimal initial presence amounted to a “slap in the face” for Iran. He questioned whether Washington was to blame, adding that Iran had made persistent efforts to invite the Indonesian government that, he said, had gone unanswered.
Djalal argued that Indonesia’s approach reflected “pride” on both sides, saying Iran would not beg for Indonesia’s presence. He also asked whether Indonesia’s “free and active” foreign policy was starting to crumble because of concern or hesitation toward the United States.