Mahfud MD: It Is Time for Indonesia to Consider Withdrawing from BoP

Jakarta — Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Human Affairs Mahfud MD has stated that Indonesia should consider withdrawing from the Board of Peace (BoP).

This assessment emerged following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“This is the time for Indonesia to consider withdrawing from the Board of Peace. It is time to consider withdrawing immediately,” said Mahfud when met in Senen, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

“Now there is such a fact (the US-Israel attack on Iran), which provides a new reason to declare withdrawal, and there is no loss in doing so, is there?” he stated firmly.

In this context, Mahfud referenced President Sukarno, who once criticised the United Nations and was subsequently expelled by the international organisation.

“(But Sukarno) established his own (new international organisation) with great boldness. When the time came to join, he joined again, didn’t he. That is what boldness looks like,” said Mahfud.

For this reason, he called on the public to trust the steps taken by the president, whilst still providing criticism and correction.

However, Mahfud emphasised that the most important concern is the safety of the Indonesian nation.

Mahfud MD believes that Indonesia’s membership in the BoP, established by United States President Donald Trump, lacks strategic value.

Mahfud stated that many parties have protested Indonesia’s involvement in the forum from the outset.

According to him, one of the main issues is the imbalance in the composition of BoP members.

The forum, which discusses peace in Palestine and the Middle East, does not include Palestinian representation.

“It is impossible to discuss justice without including the party that will be the subject of the peace decision,” said Mahfud.