Prabowo made the comments while responding to concerns raised by representatives of Islamic organizations and prominent Muslim figures, including Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Vice Chairman Cholil Nafis, during a meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday.
“The president responded by saying: ‘If we join the BoP, we are not obliged to go along when they do not align with our views. Second, if no changes can be made, he (President Prabowo) is prepared to withdraw from the BoP.’ That is how I understood his remarks,” Nafis told reporters.
During the meeting, which was attended by around 40 representatives from Islamic organizations and Muslim leaders, Prabowo explained Indonesia’s rationale for joining the board and invited questions and criticism from clerics and scholars.
Nafis said he directly conveyed skepticism about the initiative, warning against any potential deployment of Indonesian peacekeeping forces that could end up confronting Palestinians seeking independence.
“We do not want a false peace while the Palestinian people remain under occupation. We want peace and independence for Palestine,” he stated.
According to Nafis, Prabowo reaffirmed that Indonesia would not hesitate to distance itself from the BoP if its actions diverged from Indonesia’s principles.
“The president said that if BoP policy later involves steps that are not in line with our position, we (Indonesia) will abstain and be absent from participation. Then if it truly does not suit us and Indonesia cannot do anything, he is ready to withdraw from the BoP,” Nafis said.
Separately, Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed that Prabowo had opened the option of withdrawal if the board’s direction did not align with Indonesia’s goals.
“If it does not match what we want: First, peace in Gaza in the immediate term; then peace in Palestine more broadly, and ultimately Palestinian independence and sovereignty,” Sugiono told state news agency ANTARA. “That is the trajectory we aim to achieve, and I think those are the corridors.”
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Translator: Genta Tenri, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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