Celvin Moniaga Sipahutar, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has decided that Indonesia will remain a member of the Board of Peace (BoP) initiated by US President Donald Trump, despite domestic calls for Jakarta to withdraw following the recent escalation of conflict involving Iran.
The decision comes after criticism from several groups, including the Indonesian Muslim Scholars Association (ICMI), which urged the government to exit the council unless the United States and Israel halt their military operations against Iran.
ICMI also called on Israel to formally recognize the existence of a Palestinian state as a condition for Indonesia's continued participation in the forum.
Despite the criticism, Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Nusron Wahid said President Prabowo remains committed to maintaining Indonesia's membership in the initiative.
"If there are one or two parties who still hold different opinions, we respect that," Nusron said after attending an iftar gathering with the president and Muslim leaders at the State Palace in Jakarta.
Nusron, who also serves as a deputy chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, said Indonesia joined the Board of Peace with the aim of accelerating efforts toward Palestinian independence, reconstruction, and rehabilitation.
According to Nusron, the government remains open to criticism and is carefully considering input from various groups.
"We are listening while closely observing the situation, but we will prove that diplomacy is the best path to achieving peace, not warfare," he said.
The government views the Board of Peace as a strategic forum where discussions on resolving the Palestinian issue and achieving long-term peace are taking place, Nusron added.
Indonesia is also closely monitoring the escalating conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, while preparing mitigation measures to ensure the situation does not significantly affect the country.
At the same time, Prabowo has expressed readiness to act as a mediator to encourage de-escalation and open dialogue between the parties involved.
"The steps taken by the president have received support from several Middle Eastern and Islamic countries, including Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates," Nusron said.