JAKARTA: Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has reassured prominent Islamic organisations that his government will withdraw from United States President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” if the platform fails to benefit Palestinians or serve Indonesia’s national interests.
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The statement was issued by the Indonesian government on Friday following a meeting between Prabowo and leaders of several Islamic groups on Thursday evening. The gathering was aimed at addressing concerns about Indonesia’s participation in the board and its commitment to sending troops as part of a proposed Gaza stabilisation force.
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Indonesia’s involvement in the initiative has drawn criticism from analysts and religious groups at home. Critics argue that joining the board could undermine the country’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.
According to the government communication office, President Prabowo explained the rationale behind Indonesia’s participation and emphasised that the country’s foreign policy priorities remain unchanged.
Hanif Alatas of the Islamic Brotherhood Front said the president assured participants that Indonesia’s membership would be reconsidered if it no longer served Palestinian or Indonesian interests.
“The president said that if he sees there is no longer any benefit for Palestine and that it is not in line with Indonesia’s national interests, he will withdraw,” Hanif said, according to the government statement.
Earlier, the Indonesian Ulema Council, one of the country’s leading clerical bodies, called for Jakarta to exit the board, citing concerns over the United States’ role in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
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Meanwhile, Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation, suggested that Jakarta could use its position to encourage de-escalation in the Middle East.
Its chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf said Indonesia could push for the board’s agenda to be paused until meaningful talks on peace and de-escalation take place. Foreign Minister Sugiono previously said discussions within the Board of Peace have already been halted due to the ongoing war.