Anwar Abbas Urges Indonesia to Withdraw from BoP, Focus on Domestic Interests

Former Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said President Prabowo Subianto is currently evaluating Indonesia’s position on the Board of Peace (BoP), or the Dewan Perdamaian. Anwar Abbas, the Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), urged Indonesia to withdraw now as no benefit could come from BoP.

‘This is my personal statement; for me, withdrawal is the best course. I see no benefit whatsoever in Indonesia’s membership of BoP,’ he said when contacted on Thursday, 5 March 2026. The deputy chairman of MUI viewed Indonesia’s position in BoP as controversial. He said it would be better for Indonesia to strengthen itself first.’

‘Moreover, our presence in BoP invites controversy. In my view, it is better we withdraw and we handle and strengthen our nation from within,’ he added.

Further, Anwar Abbas said what Indonesia needs at present is unity. He argued that Indonesia’s position in BoP actually triggers disputes. ‘We need unity and a strong cohesion to advance our nation. Let us not be disturbed by our presence in BoP, which leads to disagreements and drains our energy as we debate it. Just pull out of BoP,’ he declared.

Former Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda revealed that the potential success of the Board of Peace (BoP), the body formed by US President Donald Trump, has diminished. He said this is due to the war between the US and Israel against Iran. ‘Moreover with the war in Iran, the prospect of BoP and its mission—ceasefire, arms cessation, humanitarian aid, rehabilitation, and reconstruction—could be diminished,’ he said after meeting President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, quoted on Wednesday, 4 March.

Hassan said Prabowo would evaluate Indonesia’s membership in BoP in light of the war. He noted that the decision had not yet been made. ‘The next steps, in other words a decision, have not been taken yet. He will surely evaluate and take the right decision in due time,’ he said.