Chairman of the MPR Signals Possible Indonesia Exit from the BoP

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Ahmad Muzani, the Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, signalled the possibility that Indonesia might withdraw from membership of the Gaza-based Board of Peace (BoP) following a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Istana, Jakarta, on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Muzani, the possibility of leaving the BoP has been mentioned several times by the President.

‘For Indonesia, joining and leaving the BoP is something that could happen, as the President has mentioned several times. We could leave at any time, but again it must be by mutual agreement,’ Muzani told reporters after meeting President Prabowo at the Istana.

On the same occasion, Muzani explained that Indonesia joined as a member of the BoP because the body is believed to accelerate the process toward a free Palestine.

‘The BoP is part of the effort to accelerate the process of Palestinian independence and reconstruction, rehabilitation of Palestine, and that is the main purpose for which the BoP was formed. However, there is then the issue of Iran, I think that is what the President more clearly stated last night,’ Muzani said.

The Tuesday evening (3/3) meeting referred to by Muzani was the national discussion at the Istana Merdeka, attended by a number of figures, including the 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the 7th President Joko Widodo, Vice Presidents Jusuf Kalla (the 10th and 12th), Boediono (the 11th), and Ma’ruf Amin (the 13th Vice President).

In the same meeting, there were several former foreign ministers, party leaders, and senior state officials, as well as ministers of the Merah Putih Cabinet.

‘The President explained the details of the issues as he understands them, and what he knows about global developments. Almost all those leaders expressed their views; some asked questions, some shared their views. From President Jokowi, President SBY, former vice-president Ma’ruf Amin, and several former foreign ministers also expressed their views. Some of his views were critical, sharp, some offered suggestions, and some reflected further thoughts, and all those views were received well by the President,’ Muzani said.

The Chairman of the MPR said the proposals, suggestions, and thoughts expressed by the leaders provide input for President Prabowo in making future decisions and policies.