MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Former President of Muhammadiyah (2005–2015) Din Syamsuddin highlighted Indonesia’s potential role in promoting global peace, particularly in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Din described the Gaza conflict as a proxy war. He expressed concern over the divided response from the Muslim world, which he believes weakens their collective influence.
“The way the Islamic world responds to the Palestinian issue is not united. This makes me skeptical,” said Din at the launch of three books by Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim at the A.R. Fakhruddin Auditorium, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr Hamka, on Monday, February 3.
Din stressed that war is not just about military strength. It also involves other forms of power. He argued that achieving peace requires more than diplomacy. It requires a strategic effort to confront oppressive forces. Until that happens, he remains doubtful that lasting peace is possible.
“Indonesia has a strong foundation to promote peace, not only because of its constitutional mandate in the 1945 Constitution but also due to its longstanding commitment to peace,” said Din.
However, he stressed that leadership plays a crucial role in realizing this potential.
“With the support of civil society, particularly Muhammadiyah, the House of Representatives and the People’s Consultative Assembly, Indonesia has the opportunity to take the lead,” said Din.
