JK Emphasises Indonesia May Back BoP If Trump Recognises Palestine

Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) says support for the BoP should be measured by how much the body, created by United States President Donald Trump, can deliver peace, including recognition of the state of Palestine.

‘We should first see what will be done in the coming months. If BoP can bring peace to Palestine, for example, then we will support it,’ JK said in a written statement on Sunday (8/3).

He noted that several Muslim countries in principle want to back the peace effort. However, international political dynamics, including the United States’ veto power, often pose obstacles in the process.

JK also reminded that support for international policy should not merely be symbolic, but genuinely oriented toward resolving the conflict and achieving true peace. ‘Don’t just be a symbol or follower. We must look at the evidence — talk of peace that is not opposed,’ he said.

Furthermore, he argued that one of the key tests in the peace process is recognition of the Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution. ‘The way to reconcile it is by giving recognition to Palestine. If not, what is the point of supporting Israel alone?’ he said.

Indonesia’s membership of BoP has recently been under scrutiny amid US-Israel strikes against Iran. The strikes intensified by the US against Iran are seen as inconsistent, even though they are the ones who proposed BoP. In addition, the US has carried out this attack while nuclear negotiations with Iran in Geneva, Switzerland continue.

The US and Israel launched joint strikes on 28 February. As a result of the operation, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died. Khamenei was reported dead in the attack on Saturday. Iran confirmed the next day.

On the first day of the US-Israel operation, Iran immediately retaliated. Iran also retaliated with a larger-scale attack than before after Khamenei’s death. They targeted Israel and US military bases in the Middle East.