JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has assured domestic Islamic groups that Indonesia will withdraw from the international platform known as the “Board of Peace” if its participation fails to bring tangible benefits to the Palestinian people.
The platform, initiated by former United States President Donald Trump to discuss peace initiatives in the Middle East, has sparked debate in Indonesia. Critics argue that Jakarta’s involvement could undermine the country’s long-standing commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause.
Indonesia’s participation in the board — including a proposal to contribute troops to a Gaza stabilisation force — has drawn scrutiny from analysts and Muslim organisations, who fear the move could compromise Indonesia’s traditional diplomatic stance.
Meeting With Islamic Organisations
Prabowo convened a meeting with leaders of several Islamic groups on Thursday evening to explain the rationale behind Indonesia’s decision to join the board.
According to a statement from the government’s communications office, the president emphasised that Indonesia’s participation is conditional and will depend on whether the platform genuinely benefits Palestinians and aligns with Indonesia’s national interests.
Islamic activist Hanif Alatas said the president gave a clear assurance that Indonesia would not hesitate to withdraw if those objectives were not achieved.
“The president said that if he sees there is no longer any benefit for Palestine and that it is not aligned with Indonesia’s national interests, Indonesia will withdraw from the Board of Peace,” Hanif said.
Pressure From Religious Authorities
Earlier, the Majelis Ulama Indonesia had called on the government to exit the board, citing concerns over the United States’ role in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Meanwhile, the country’s largest Islamic organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama, suggested Indonesia could use its presence in the body as a diplomatic channel to encourage de-escalation in the Middle East.
Its leader, Yahya Cholil Staquf said Indonesia could propose that the board’s agenda be temporarily suspended until meaningful talks take place to reduce tensions related to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Discussions Currently Suspended
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono previously stated that all discussions related to the “Board of Peace” have been halted due to the ongoing war in the region.
For now, the initiative remains in limbo as geopolitical tensions continue to reshape diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
Ultimately, Jakarta maintains that its participation in any international platform will remain guided by two key principles: safeguarding Indonesia’s national interests and ensuring continued support for the Palestinian cause.
