JAKARTA: The president of Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has stated that his government will withdraw from US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” platform if it fails to benefit Palestinians.
According to a government statement, President Prabowo Subianto made the remarks during a meeting with leaders of local Islamic organizations on Thursday evening, where he explained the rationale behind Indonesia’s decision to join the platform.
The president assured participants that if the platform does not bring tangible benefits to Palestine or serve Indonesia’s national interests, the government will immediately withdraw from the Gaza “Board of Peace.”
He further clarified that if at any stage it becomes evident that the initiative is not in the interest of the Palestinian people or is inconsistent with Indonesia’s national priorities, the country will promptly disengage from the board.
Indonesia’s participation in the board, as well as the possibility of sending a military contingent to Gaza to support stabilization efforts, has drawn criticism from analysts and religious circles within the country. Critics argue that such a move could undermine Indonesia’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause.
Earlier, the Indonesian Ulema Council had urged the government to withdraw from the board, citing the United States’ role in the ongoing war involving Iran.
Meanwhile, leaders of the country’s largest Islamic organization suggested that the government could use the platform to help reduce tensions in the Middle East.
According to the head of the organization, Indonesia could use its participation in the board to advocate for a ceasefire and renewed negotiations, particularly in the context of US and Israeli actions against Iran.
Indonesia’s foreign minister has already indicated that all activities of the “Board of Peace” have been temporarily suspended due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
