Muhadjir on Indonesia Joining BoP: Prabowo Fights from Within
Muhadjir Effendy, head of Muhammadiyah Central Leadership’s Economy, Business, and Halal Industry division, revealed that President Prabowo Subianto chose a strategy of advancing Indonesia’s interests from within when deciding to join the Board of Peace. He made the remark after attending a gathering with Prabowo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, 5 March 2026. The event was attended by a range of Islamic figures, including ulama, preachers, leaders of Islamic civil society organisations, and heads of pesantren.
‘The strategy he chose is called “struggle from within”. So after we have been outside for some time, we are now trying to fight from within,’ Muhadjir said at the Presidential Palace complex on Thursday night.
Muhadjir believes Indonesia’s membership in the Board of Peace, initiated by the United States, remains within constitutional bounds. He also noted that Prabowo remains committed to the two-state solution.
‘The aim is the creation of two states coexisting peacefully: a sovereign Palestine and Israel,’ Muhadjir added.
The Special Presidential Assistant for Hajj highlighted that Prabowo did not rush into joining the Board of Peace. According to Muhadjir, Indonesia’s involvement in the international body conceived by US President Donald Trump has gone through a lengthy process, having been discussed with several regional leaders, especially in the Gulf, who subsequently agreed to join.
The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture emphasised that support for Palestinian independence remains Indonesia’s principal objective. ‘Therefore, going forward we must continue to strive regardless of risks or consequences; the effort to build a sovereign Palestine must be realised,’ he said.
He explained that the commitment is set out in the 20-point Gaza peace plan initiated by US President Donald Trump. The plan states that reforms of the Palestinian Authority and the rebuilding of Gaza would be credible pathways toward self-determination and Palestinian independence. It also envisages dialogue between Israel and Palestine to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence.
‘In points 19 and 20, it is clear that the BoP’s objective is indeed the establishment of a Palestinian state coexisting with Israel. I think that is our guiding principle, and accordingly the ulama and religious leaders have all agreed with what President has stated,’ Muhadjir said.
At the same time, Nusron Wahid, Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, said that President Prabowo still wishes to pursue peace through the Board of Peace. ‘The President’s position is that Indonesia has accepted BoP as a means, as an endeavour toward peace,’ Nusron said. He added that the President wants to pursue this endeavour, ‘We must not be asked to leave before the endeavour has been carried out.’
Nusron noted that the government recognises criticisms calling for Indonesia to withdraw from the Board of Peace. He claimed the government is not anti-criticism. However, at present, the Board of Peace is the only negotiation table for peace in Palestine and Gaza; therefore, Indonesia agreed to join. ‘We listen while observing the situation, but we will prove on the ground that this diplomacy is the best path to peace, not war,’ he said.