PBNU: No Need to Exit BoP, Leverage It for Peace
Yahya Cholil Staquf, the Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), said Indonesia could utilise the Board of Peace to reconcile the United States and Israel, which are at war with Iran. Although the founder of the Board of Peace, the United States, is involved in war, Yahya believes Indonesia does not need to leave the organisation.
Yahya said Indonesia should seek ways to use the Board of Peace for peace efforts. ‘Whatever is in our hands, let us make use of it,’ Yahya said as he prepared to attend a breaking-of-the-fast event with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Thursday, 5 March 2026.
According to Yahya, the Board of Peace can still be a platform for Indonesia even as it appears powerless in the face of the US-Israel conflict with Iran. ‘Let there not be anyone who, even if it seems weak, discard something that could actually be used—that’s not how you do it,’ he said.
Yahya said Indonesia should utilise all instruments available for peace efforts. ‘If we need to dig a hole but there is no spade, and we have only a spoon, then we dig with the spoon. Something like that,’ Yahya added.
In the breaking-of-the-fast event with leaders of Islamic community organisations today, Yahya said Prabowo is likely to provide explanations on various current issues. He said the explanations would include strategic steps taken by the President, both domestically and internationally. ‘He may also share his views with leaders and scholars regarding the latest developments in the very worrying international dynamics,’ Yahya said.
A number of figures from various Islamic community organisations were invited to join the breaking of the fast with Prabowo. Among those present were PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf, Muhammadiyah’s Central Board Chairman Haedar Nashir, and Indonesia’s Ulama Council (MUI) chairman Anwar Iskandar.
Dozens of other invited guests were also seen arriving at the Istana this afternoon. Among them were leaders of pesantren and prominent preachers.
Editor’s Choice: Prabowo’s policy: Decide first, then inform the DPR