Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has assured domestic Islamic groups that the country will pull out of US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” if the platform fails to benefit Palestinians, according to a government statement released Friday.
The nation, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, has faced criticism at home over its participation in the board and its commitment to send troops for a Gaza stabilization force. Critics argue that this involvement risks compromising Indonesia’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.
During a meeting with leaders of major Islamic groups on Thursday evening, Prabowo explained his rationale for joining the board. Hanif Alatas of the Islamic Brotherhood Front told reporters that the president pledged to withdraw if the board no longer serves Palestinian interests or aligns with Indonesia’s national priorities.
“The president said that if he sees that there is no longer any benefit for Palestine … and that it is not in line with Indonesia’s national interests, he will withdraw,” Alatas said in the government statement.
The Indonesian Ulema Council, the country’s leading clerical body, had previously called for a withdrawal, citing the US role in the ongoing Iran conflict. Meanwhile, Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization, suggested that the country could leverage the board to promote de-escalation in the Middle East.
“Indonesia could declare that the board’s agenda is on hold until there are talks on de-escalation and peace from the American-Israeli war against Iran,” said Yahya Cholil Staquf, Nahdlatul Ulama’s chief, in a statement released via Prabowo’s office.
All activities under the Board of Peace have reportedly been suspended due to the conflict, according to Foreign Minister Sugiono.