Leader of new Syrian administration, Ahmed al Sharaa speaks during a press conference in Damascus, Syria on January 11, 2025 [Foreign Desk Syria/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images]
Leader of new Syrian administration, Ahmed al Sharaa speaks during a press conference in Damascus, Syria on January 11, 2025 [Foreign Desk Syria/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images]
Indonesia has remained relatively quiet on Syria’s new leadership, but it must now take a clear stance. With Syria under the new leadership of President Ahmad Al Sharaa, Indonesia has an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, while navigating the complexities of this political transition.
On 8 December, Bashar Al-Assad’s long-standing rule came to an abrupt end as Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) forces took control of Damascus without resistance. Assad fled to Russia, leaving behind a nation in flux. With Ahmad Al Sharaa—better known as Abu Muhammad Al-Julani—now in power, Syria faces an uncertain future. The world is watching closely, and so should Indonesia.
The international response to Al Sharaa’s rise has been mixed. Initially expected to align with Turkiye and Qatar, Syria has, instead, prioritised Saudi Arabia, shifting regional alliances. Al Sharaa’s first visit to Riyadh led to Saudi-backed diplomatic summits, aid and lobbying to lift sanctions. Turkiye, once hostile, now sees Damascus as a strategic partner in its Kurdish policy and seeks a role in Syria’s reconstruction. Meanwhile, Qatar, once a key supporter of the opposition, has been sidelined. The UAE and Iran, former Assad allies, are also recalibrating their approach.
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Western governments, despite still designating HTS as a terrorist group, have cautiously begun engaging with Syria’s new leadership. German, French and British officials have initiated diplomatic contact with Damascus, reflecting a gradual shift. Syria, facing economic distress, is pressing for sanctions relief, a demand gaining traction in diplomatic circles.
The United States has taken a more cautious and critical approach. While Washington has not formally recognised Al Sharaa’s government, it has signalled a willingness to engage under strict conditions, primarily focused on counter-terrorism assurances and commitments to political reforms. US officials have emphasised that any normalisation of relations would depend on Syria’s adherence to human rights standards and efforts to break ties with extremist elements. Additionally, the US has continued to enforce sanctions under the Caesar Act, aiming to pressure Damascus into political concessions, while monitoring the evolving situation closely.
Israel views a fragmented Syria as an opportunity to counter Iran, advocating for cantonisation to curb Tehran’s influence. Iran and Iraq, on the other hand, face setbacks, with Assad’s departure weakening the Axis of Resistance. Iraq, deeply tied to Syria, must engage with Al Sharaa’s government despite uncertainties.
Globally, Russia and China are also adjusting. Russia, having propped up Assad, now faces a strategic void, while China, once supportive of Damascus as part of an anti-Western bloc, is reassessing its long-term role in Syria’s reconstruction.
Indonesia’s position
During the Extraordinary Ministerial Conference of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Sugiono, reaffirmed Indonesia’s full support for Syria’s new government and its people in building a more democratic and inclusive nation. This statement sends a strong signal that Indonesia is ready to engage more deeply in political, economic and humanitarian cooperation with Syria.
Additionally, Indonesia welcomed Syria’s reinstatement into the OIC after more than a decade of suspension due to prolonged conflict. This reinstatement is a crucial step in restoring Syria’s position on the international stage and indicates that stability in the country is improving.
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Moreover, Indonesian Foreign Minister, M. Sugiono, met with Syria’s new Foreign Minister, Assad Asy-Syabaini. This meeting marks an important step toward strengthening bilateral ties. It is hoped that this will pave the way for an official meeting between Syrian President, Ahmad Al Sharaa, and Indonesian President Prabowo, reinforcing Indonesia’s recognition of Syria’s sovereignty and its new government. Now is the time for Indonesia to extend a hand of diplomatic recognition to Syria, acknowledging its newly gained independence and fostering deeper cooperation between the two nations.
Future engagement between Indonesia and Syria
As Syria moves forward under Al Sharaa’s leadership, Indonesia must carefully navigate its engagement, balancing support with the need for transparency and accountability. Given the uncertainties surrounding Syria’s political transition, Indonesia should adopt a strategy that encompasses diplomatic dialogue, humanitarian assistance, institutional stability, economic cooperation, security sector reform, transitional justice, inclusive governance and adherence to international diplomatic frameworks.
Indonesia should facilitate dialogue between Syria and international partners to encourage a balanced transitional process. This includes supporting Al Sharaa’s plans for a National Dialogue Conference, ensuring broader political participation beyond the current governance model. Through diplomatic mediation, Indonesia can help bridge differences among key stakeholders to promote a more inclusive and stable transition.
Humanitarian and reconstruction assistance is another crucial area where Indonesia can contribute. By focusing on non-political humanitarian aid and infrastructure development, Indonesia can play a role in Syria’s rebuilding efforts, while aligning with its broader commitment to international peace and security. Assistance in healthcare, education and public services will be essential in restoring normalcy for the Syrian people.
Institutional stability is vital during this transition period. Al Sharaa has emphasized maintaining Syria’s institutions to prevent state collapse. With its experience in democratic transitions, Indonesia can provide technical assistance on governance, legal reforms and administrative restructuring. Sharing lessons from Indonesia’s own political reforms can help Syria develop stronger and more resilient institutions.
Economic cooperation between Indonesia and Syria can also be strengthened. Engaging in trade agreements, investments and economic partnerships that align with Syria’s reconstruction needs will be mutually beneficial. Sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and education present significant opportunities for collaboration, fostering long-term economic growth and development.
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Supporting security sector reform is another critical component of ensuring Syria’s stability. Encouraging a structured demobilisation process for armed factions and promoting a unified national army will help create a sustainable security framework. Indonesia can share best practices from its own experiences in integrating armed groups into a cohesive national structure.
A well-defined transitional justice framework is necessary to prevent cycles of revenge and instability. Indonesia should support efforts to hold individuals accountable for major crimes, while ensuring a reconciliation process that fosters long-term peace and stability. Balancing justice with reconciliation will be key to Syria’s social healing.
Promoting inclusive governance and human rights should be central to Indonesia’s engagement. Legal guarantees for political participation, civil liberties and minority rights must be upheld to ensure Syria’s transition leads to a more democratic and inclusive state. Encouraging policies that protect vulnerable groups will be crucial in maintaining social cohesion.
Indonesia must also engage with international diplomatic frameworks, particularly UN Resolution 2254. Balancing its support for Syria’s sovereignty with international consensus ensures its engagement remains legitimate and aligned with global diplomatic efforts.
Additionally, restricting the possession of weapons to the State is essential for long-term security. Indonesia should support efforts to integrate armed factions into the national army and ensure all military power remains under centralised state control, preventing future conflicts and fragmentation.
Finally, developing a clear strategy for refugee return is crucial to Syria’s recovery. Ensuring the safe and sustainable reintegration of refugees requires concrete policies on housing, employment and community reconciliation. Indonesia can offer expertise in managing displaced populations and post-conflict resettlement strategies.
As Syria undergoes economic transition, Indonesia can provide valuable insights on balancing state intervention with free-market principles. Ensuring economic recovery fosters sustainable growth, while protecting vulnerable populations will be essential in shaping Syria’s post-conflict development. By adopting a comprehensive and strategic approach, Indonesia can contribute meaningfully to Syria’s stability and reconstruction while safeguarding its own diplomatic and economic interests.
Indonesia has an opportunity to foster closer ties with Syria under Ahmad Al Sharaa’s leadership, but this must be done with caution. While Indonesia supports Syria’s sovereignty and reintegration, it must also recognise the complexities and concerns surrounding the new government. By embracing a strategic and principled approach, Indonesia can play a pivotal role in ensuring its engagement with Syria contributes to peace, stability and genuine democratic progress in the region.
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The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.
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