JK Assesses Indonesia's Exit from Board of Peace as Non-Issue
Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla has assessed that Indonesia faces no material consequences from withdrawing from the Board of Peace (BoP), the initiative established by US President Donald Trump.
According to Kalla, whilst Trump could threaten withdrawing nations with increased reciprocal tariffs, a US Supreme Court ruling has capped such tariffs at a maximum of 15 per cent. “Don’t forget the US Supreme Court has ruled that reciprocal tariffs cannot exceed 15 per cent. So even if countries withdraw, there’s nothing to worry about. Of course, from a relations perspective with America, it’s not really an issue for us,” he stated at his residence in South Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026, following meetings with several former ambassadors.
As a politician outside government and a senior Golkar Party figure, Kalla indicated that Indonesia’s government withdrawal from the BoP would be acceptable, though he emphasised that government leadership must carefully weigh the decision. He acknowledged that the BoP was founded with good intentions to resolve the Palestinian conflict, but he criticised US military operations against Iran, noting these occurred merely 10 days after the BoP was signed.
“I would say the BoP has good intentions only if it truly prioritises peace, not war—it should be a Board of Peace, not a Board of War,” he remarked. Kalla expressed hope that the BoP would foster genuine peace, noting that President Prabowo Subianto has already indicated Indonesia would withdraw if the initiative fails to align with its stated objectives.
Kalla further questioned whether the BoP could effectively advance peace given US dominance within the institution, particularly as the US President holds the chairmanship and veto power over decisions. He expressed concern that a peace mechanism led by a nation actively engaged in military operations lacks credibility.
“The BoP is acceptable if it can secure or achieve peace in Palestine. However, America has already engaged in warfare barely a month after signing. So, what’s the point?” Kalla said, appealing to the public to evaluate the BoP based on ground realities rather than stated intentions.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the country has suspended discussions regarding the BoP following the escalation of conflict between Iran, the US and Israel this month. The government has elected to postpone related agenda items amid intensifying tensions in the Middle East, with current focus directed towards monitoring conflict developments and ensuring the safety of Indonesian citizens in the region.