Jakarta: Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has assured local Islamic groups that his government will withdraw from US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” if the initiative fails to benefit Palestinians, according to an official government statement released on Friday.
The announcement came amid growing domestic criticism over Indonesia’s participation in the platform and its willingness to contribute troops to a proposed Gaza stabilisation force. Critics argue that such involvement could undermine Indonesia’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has traditionally positioned itself as a strong advocate for Palestinian rights. Therefore, the government’s decision to join the initiative has sparked debate among scholars, analysts, and religious organisations.
Islamic groups raise concerns over initiative
President Prabowo held a meeting with leaders of several Islamic groups on Thursday evening to address concerns surrounding the initiative. During the meeting, he explained the reasoning behind Indonesia’s decision to join the board.
According to the government communication office, the president assured participants that Indonesia’s involvement would continue only if it served the interests of Palestinians and Indonesia.
Hanif Alatas of the Islamic Brotherhood Front said the president made it clear that Indonesia would not remain on the platform if it failed to produce meaningful benefits.
“The president said that if he sees that there is no longer any benefit for Palestine and that it does not align with Indonesia’s national interests, he will withdraw,” Hanif said.
Religious bodies call for cautious engagement
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ulema Council, one of the country’s most influential clerical bodies, has previously urged the government to exit the board due to the United States’ role in the ongoing Iran conflict.
