January 19, 2026 | 05:05 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) expressed concern about the possibility of World War III, considering the current global political situation. SBY's concern stems from geopolitical developments, international peace and security, and the history of warfare over the past three years and throughout the centuries.
"It is very likely that a third world war will occur. However, I still believe that this dreadful possibility can be prevented," said Yudhoyono through his X social media account on Monday, January 19, 2026.
He stated that the space and time to prevent war are narrowing day by day. SBY also drew parallels between the current geopolitical situation and the conditions leading to World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945).
The Chair of the Democratic Party's High Council also mentioned the emergence of powerful leaders with a thirst for war. He emphasized the formation of alliances among adversarial nations and the substantial accumulation of military power, encompassing economic preparations and war machinery.
"History also notes that despite clear signs of an impending major war, it seems that the awareness, concern, and concrete steps to prevent war have not been taken. Why?" he questioned.
He speculated that either nations worldwide do not care, are helpless, or are incapable of preventing it. He expressed hope and prayers that a world war accompanied by the use of nuclear weapons will not occur.
SBY continued by stating that numerous studies suggest that in the event of a world war, total war, and nuclear war, the destruction of the world is inevitable. Casualties could exceed five billion people. "There will be no civilization left, and the hope of humanity will perish," he said.
Nevertheless, SBY mentioned that there is still time and ways to save the world. He suggested that the United Nations take the initiative to invite world leaders to convene at an emergency session of the UN General Assembly.
"The agenda would focus on concrete steps to prevent a global crisis on a large scale, including the possibility of a new world war," Yudhoyono stated.
He also referenced the words of Edmund Burke and Albert Einstein, who suggested that the destruction of the world is not caused by evil people. Instead, the cause of the earth's destruction is good people allowing evil people to destroy the world.
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