Indonesia Warns U.S. Operation in Venezuela Sets Risky Global Precedent

Indonesia has expressed serious concern over the United States’ recent military operation in Venezuela, warning that the action risks setting a dangerous precedent in international relations and undermining long-standing principles of state sovereignty.

In a statement posted on social media platform X and monitored on Monday, January 5, 2026, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely monitoring developments in the South American country following the U.S. intervention.

“Indonesia expresses deep concerns over any actions involving the use or threat of force that carry the risk of creating a dangerous precedent in international relations,” the ministry stated, as quoted by Antara. The ministry cautioned that such actions could erode fundamental norms governing diplomacy and sovereignty, particularly those enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

Under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, member states are prohibited from using force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, except in cases of self-defense or with authorization from the UN Security Council. Indonesia warned that bypassing these mechanisms could weaken the international legal order and increase the likelihood of unilateral military actions elsewhere.

Indonesia further emphasized that instability in Venezuela could have broader regional implications. Venezuela is home to nearly 30 million people and holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, making its political stability a critical factor for regional security and global energy markets.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed that the Venezuelan people have the sovereign right to determine their own political future without external coercion. In a separate statement issued on Saturday, Indonesia urged all parties to “prioritize dialogue and restraint, and comply with international law, including the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law,” while underscoring the importance of civilian protection amid escalating tensions.

Venezuela was jolted early Saturday by U.S. military strikes targeting both civilian and military installations, triggering explosions in several regions and prompting authorities to declare a national emergency. U.S. President Donald Trump later confirmed that American forces carried out the operation, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were subsequently taken to the United States.

According to U.S. officials, the couple faces federal charges related to drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with terrorist organizations—accusations that Venezuela’s government has rejected as politically motivated.

Following Maduro’s detention, Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president for a 90-day transitional period. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry also announced plans to lodge formal complaints with international bodies and to request an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on January 5 to address what it described as a violation of national sovereignty.

Indonesia’s response aligns with its long-standing foreign policy doctrine of non-alignment and respect for territorial integrity, a principle Jakarta has consistently upheld in past international conflicts. The government reiterated that lasting solutions to political crises must be achieved through inclusive dialogue rather than military force.

Media Laloran Tasi Mane

6 Janeiru, 2026