Indonesia's Concerns Over Board of Peace Membership Amid US-Israel Attack on Iran

Indonesia’s decision to join the Board of Peace (BoP), a peace council established by the United States, has attracted significant controversy. Opposition intensified when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran.

The Peace Council, which ostensibly promotes defence and security stabilisation efforts, is instead proving counterproductive.

Hendra Maulana Saragih, an international relations expert at Universitas Nasional, stated that Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace (BoP) must remain vigilant against conflicting interests between nations amid global conflict.

He explained that Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy must safeguard sovereignty whilst facing a barrage of competing interests, as the nation maintains diplomatic relations with numerous other countries.

“Among the concerns about Indonesia joining the BoP, firstly, interests are clearly at stake. What interests? As a nation with diplomatic relations with many countries, Indonesia must be careful not to become embroiled in conflicting interests or internal politics of any nation,” he told Antara on Tuesday.

In every policy decision, he stated, Indonesia must think carefully to avoid the influence of foreign policy that could strain diplomatic relationships with other nations.

Amid the global conflict between Iran and Israel-United States, 65 public figures and over 70 civil society organisations have urged Indonesia to withdraw from the BoP.

Hendra explained that such pressure can serve as input for Indonesia to reconsider its commitment to maintaining peace amidst the current conflict. “This is precisely the right moment, a crucial moment for Indonesia to reconsider,” he said.