"We will later hold dialogue with MUI," Prasetyo said on the sidelines of a coordination meeting between the central and regional governments in Bogor, West Java, on Monday.
He said the government respects MUI's views and considers dialogue an important avenue to explain Indonesia's decision to join the international council.
"We will explain why we decided to join the Board of Peace," Prasetyo said.
Prasetyo said Indonesia's participation in the BoP is part of its diplomatic strategy to build communication and convey its position in global forums, particularly on issues related to Palestinian independence.
“That is part of our effort to build dialogue. If we do not join, how can we engage and convey our views so that the Palestinian people can gain recognition of their independence,” he said.
Regarding the BoP membership fees, Prasetyo said the payments reflect Indonesia’s commitment as a member of an international forum.
President Prabowo Subianto signed Indonesia’s BoP membership charter on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22.
MUI has urged the government to withdraw Indonesia from the BoP, arguing that the council does not side with Palestine.
MUI Deputy Chairman M. Cholil Nafis said Indonesia’s participation was inappropriate because Israel is a member of the council, while Palestine is not represented.
MUI has also criticized the requirement to pay membership fees and accused the BoP of promoting what it described as an “illusory peace” that does not reflect justice or recognize Palestine as an occupied nation.
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Translator: Anton Santoso
Editor: Primayanti
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