Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia Blog

The Spirit of Islamic Brotherhood Above All: Hopes for Saudi-Iranian Reconciliation and Indonesia’s Role

By
Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia
Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC
United Nations since 2013

Introduction.

Muslims are taught to uphold Islamic brotherhood, or ukhuwah islamiyah. Allah SWT states clearly in the Qur’an: “The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy” (QS. Al-Hujurat: 10).

This principle extends beyond daily interactions between individuals to serve as a guiding framework for relations among Muslim nations. It emphasises peace, cooperation, and the avoidance of conflicts that harm the wider Muslim community.

Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia warmly welcomes the Indonesian government’s decision to send a high-level delegation to Iran for the state funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in July 2026. The delegation, which included Foreign Minister Sugiono and MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani, represented the entire Indonesian nation — Muslims and non-Muslims alike. This presence reflects a spirit of friendship, neutrality, and respect for bilateral relations, while demonstrating Indonesia’s commitment, as the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, to regional stability.

We hope that Saudi Arabia, other Gulf nations, and Iran will place ukhuwah islamiyah above narrow geopolitical interests. Prolonged conflict in the region has caused immense suffering: loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and economic losses amounting to billions of dollars. This bitter experience should serve as a powerful lesson to build stronger cooperation.

Classical Challenges and Lessons from Conflict.

Saudi-Iranian relations have frequently been strained by politicised sectarian differences (Sunni-Shia), competition for regional influence through proxy groups, and external interference. Iran has supported various militias, including the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as groups in Iraq and Syria, while actions from the Arab side have also prolonged cycles of violence.

The escalations of 2026 provided a costly lesson. The US-Israeli airstrikes in February 2026 that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Khamenei triggered widespread tensions, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway carrying approximately 20% of the world’s oil.

Despite security agreements with the United States, Gulf countries remain vulnerable to missile and drone attacks. This underscores that reliance on external protection does not always guarantee complete security.

Following the Memorandum of Understanding that halted military operations and sought to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the situation remains complex. Strategies of controlled escalation persist, with efforts to restore influence short of full-scale war. Such conflict harms all Muslim parties and benefits external actors.

Hopes for Reconciliation and Opportunities for Cooperation.

Despite the challenges, hope for reconciliation endures. The China-mediated normalisation of Saudi-Iranian relations in March 2023 opened important channels for dialogue. Both countries agreed to reopen embassies and revive security, economic, and cultural agreements from 1998 and 2001. Communication channels have remained active even amid the 2026 tensions, with Saudi Arabia welcoming ceasefires and ideas for a regional non-aggression pact.

Tangible evidence on the ground (based on verified data) includes:

• Growth in non-oil trade, with reports of significant increases in certain periods — even several-fold from a low base following initial normalisation — particularly in goods such as iron, steel, and pharmaceuticals. Bilateral potential could reach billions of dollars once remaining barriers are removed.
• Economic cooperation that can form a strong foundation: joint maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, post-conflict reconstruction, and collaborative projects in energy, trade, and sustainable development.

Reconciliation does not require the elimination of all differences, but rather the prioritisation of shared interests of the Muslim ummah, such as the Palestinian issue, climate change, and economic prosperity.

Recommendations for the Future.

To realise genuine Islamic brotherhood, concrete and mutually respectful steps are needed:

1. Iran is encouraged to adopt greater flexibility in its diplomacy, reduce support for militias that challenge the sovereignty of other Muslim states, and avoid approaches that fuel polarisation in friendly countries such as Indonesia.
2. Saudi Arabia and Arab nations can draw on the 2026 experience to strengthen strategic self-reliance, lead reconciliation efforts, and reduce excessive fears while maintaining regional stability.
3. All parties should establish regular dialogue forums — such as strengthening the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) or creating GCC+Iran mechanisms — focused on shared priorities: Palestine, the environment, the economy, and maritime security.

Indonesia holds a strategic position as the world’s largest Muslim nation, with a population exceeding 270 million and a neutral, inclusive approach. The delegation’s attendance at Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral is clear evidence of this role. Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia has consistently supported President Prabowo Subianto in implementing initiatives for peace and respect among Muslim nations, including Indonesia’s contributions on Palestine and regional stability.

Conclusion.

Islamic brotherhood is not mere rhetoric; it is a genuine commitment that must be manifested through concrete action. The Saudi-Iranian conflict demonstrates that division only benefits external parties, while unity brings maslahah (public interest and welfare) to the entire ummah.

Let the painful lessons of 2026 guide us toward a better future. Through open dialogue, data-driven economic cooperation, and sincere adherence to the spirit of ukhuwah, the Muslim world can emerge as a force for peace and prosperity.

Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia stands ready to support these positive efforts through independent research, interfaith discussions, and inclusive public education. May Allah SWT grant guidance to Muslim leaders to choose the path of unity and justice.

Wallahu a’lam bish-shawab.