Head of the National Economic Council Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan described Iran as a resilient Aryan nation amid conflicts with the US and Israel. The statement was made during a report to President Prabowo Subianto at the Full Cabinet Meeting on March 13, 2026. Luhut highlighted Iran's defensive capabilities, including the development of underwater-operated drones.
Jakarta, March 13, 2026 – During the Full Cabinet Meeting at Istana Negara in Central Jakarta, Head of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan delivered a report to President Prabowo Subianto on the conflict involving the United States (US) and Israel against Iran.
Luhut highlighted US retaliatory strikes via Israel in Operation Fury, targeting three main aspects: crippling Iran's air defense, Iran's capacity, and other elements. "Nah kalau kita lihat operasi Fury dan serangan Amerika Serikat dari Israel ke Iran, itu mereka menargetkan seperti ini, ada tiga, yaitu melumpuhkan pertahanan udara Iran, melumpuhkan kapasitas Iran, dan seterusnya," said Luhut.
Despite ongoing attacks, Luhut stated that Iran remains undaunted as descendants of the Aryan nation, ancestors of Persian civilization known for contributions to Indo-European language, Zoroastrian religious heritage, and cultural identity. "Juga saya ingin menambahkan pada peserta rapat, hormat bahwa bangsa Iran ini sebenarnya bangsa Arya, jadi tidak mudah juga ditaklukkan," he said.
Luhut noted a sharp decline in Iran's missile targets, with 50 percent of missile launches reported destroyed by Iran's defenses. "Kalau kita lihat slide berikutnya jumlah rudal yang ditempatkan Iran menurun tajam, karena 50 persen peluncuran rudal dilaporkan telah dihancurkan," he stated.
The intensity of Iran's drone firings has also decreased as the US targets factories, arsenals, and launch sites. However, Luhut mentioned that Iran is now developing drones operated from underwater, based on data sources he has access to. "Saya lihat terus menurun karena Amerika memang dari sumber-sumber data yang kami dapat, memang menargetkan untuk menghancurkan pabriknya, menghancurkan arsenalnya, dan tempat-tempat peluncurannya. Dari sumber yang kami dapat, drone dari Iran ini juga sekarang dikembangkan drone dari bawah air," he said.
