Fact Check: Did Indonesia's Human Rights Minister Reject Iran Over Israel?

A false narrative circulating on social media claims that Indonesian Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai rejected an alliance with Iran, stating that Israel possesses true sovereignty. The posts, featuring a photo of Pigai, suggest he equated supporting Iran with supporting the devil. However, a fact-check by Tempo has confirmed that Pigai never made such a statement.

Minister Pigai explicitly denied making any remarks regarding Israeli sovereignty. He emphasized that his perspective on the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran is fully aligned with the official position of the Indonesian government, as communicated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Hoax. Indonesia's stance has been officially conveyed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," Pigai told Tempo.

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Hoax. Indonesia's stance has been officially conveyed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all parties to cease hostilities and uphold international law, particularly concerning the prohibition of the use of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. This stance was reiterated in an official statement on March 9, 2026, following the outbreak of conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran.

The image accompanying the false claim was verified to have been taken by AFP photographer Bay Ismoyo on October 21, 2024, during the inauguration of ministers in President Prabowo Subianto's Red and White Cabinet at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. At the time of the photo, there was no discussion related to the Israel-US war or Iran.

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Indonesia reaffirms the obligation of all parties to uphold the principles of international law, particularly regarding the prohibition of the use of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.