Jakarta (TDI): Indonesia has said it could withdraw from US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” initiative if it fails to deliver meaningful benefits for Palestinians, according to a government statement issued on Friday.
President Prabowo Subianto gave this assurance while addressing concerns raised by several Islamic organizations within the country. The groups had expressed reservations about Indonesia’s involvement in the platform and its plan to contribute troops to a potential Gaza stabilization mission.
Indonesia’s participation has sparked criticism among analysts and religious groups, who argue that joining the initiative could weaken the country’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. As the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia has historically positioned itself as a strong advocate for Palestinian rights.
To address the concerns, Prabowo held a meeting with leaders of various Islamic organisations on Thursday evening. During the discussion, he explained the rationale behind Indonesia’s decision to join the board.
Read More: PM Shehbaz Lands in Washington for First Board of Peace Meeting
Hanif Alatas, a representative of the Islamic Brotherhood Front who attended the meeting, said the president made it clear that Indonesia’s participation is conditional. He said that Prabowo stated that the country would reconsider its involvement if the initiative no longer served Palestinian interests or Indonesia’s national priorities.
Earlier, the Indonesian Ulema Council, one of the country’s most influential religious bodies, had urged the government to withdraw from the platform, citing Washington’s role in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Read More: Mirziyoyev Attends Inaugural Board of Peace Meeting to Promote Global Stability
Meanwhile, Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization, suggested the government could use its position within the board to push for de-escalation in the Middle East. Its leader, Yahya Cholil Staquf, proposed that Indonesia advocate for pausing the board’s agenda until meaningful dialogue on peace and de-escalation begins regarding the American-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono had earlier confirmed that discussions related to the “Board of Peace” have already been suspended due to the ongoing war.
