JAKARTA — Support from Islamic mass organizations has further reinforced Indonesia’s steps under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto in advocating for Palestine through participation in the Board of Peace (BoP).
The backing underscores strong socio-religious legitimacy for Indonesia’s foreign policy direction. A total of 16 Islamic organizations and leaders of Islamic boarding schools expressed their shared understanding after meeting President Prabowo at the State Palace on February 3, 2026.
They view Indonesia’s participation in the BoP as a form of active diplomacy, enabling the country to play a direct and impactful role in advancing Palestinian independence.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono stated that Indonesia’s involvement in the BoP is part of the government’s long-term commitment to promoting peace in the Middle East.
“Particularly in Palestine and in Gaza,” Sugiono said following the President’s meeting with Islamic leaders.
He added that another objective of the move is to push for the realization of a two-state solution.
“It was also conveyed regarding Indonesia’s potential involvement in sending peacekeeping forces to Gaza in the future,” the Foreign Minister explained.
“What should be done and what should not be done, I believe all of that is fully aligned with what has been planned by the government,” Sugiono added.
Firm support also came from the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU). PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf assessed that President Prabowo’s decision reflects a concrete effort to assist Palestine through strategic diplomatic channels.
“In light of the current situation and the available opportunities for Indonesia to act more concretely, more progressively, and to pursue more tangible results in helping Palestine, including by participating in the initiative created by the United States, namely this Board of Peace,” said Gus Yahya.
He emphasized that such steps would be consolidated with Islamic and Middle Eastern countries.
“So that the actions taken within the Council will become consolidated efforts among countries that share the same motivation, namely to defend and assist Palestine,” he continued.
The Board of Peace was officially launched on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026, as a multilateral body tasked with overseeing the stabilization and rehabilitation of Gaza.
President Prabowo described Indonesia’s participation as a significant opportunity for peace.
“I believe this is a historic opportunity, a truly historic opportunity. This is a real chance to achieve peace in Gaza,” Prabowo said. (*)