Prabowo discusses Indonesia's position on the Board of Peace (BoP) for Gaza after unilateral US-Israel attack on Iran

Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto, in a meeting with a number of figures at Istana Merdeka, Jakarta, on Tuesday night, discussed Indonesia’s position as a member of the Board of Peace (BoP) Gaza after unilateral attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. The 3.5-hour meeting saw Prabowo discuss with leaders the future of the BoP. ‘Our BoP, we discussed, but also in the context of current developments, whether with the war raging in Iran this will weaken, possibly weaken the BoP’s position and mandate. We will reassess from that angle,’ said Noer Hassan Wirajuda, who served as Foreign Minister from 2001–2009, at a press conference at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, after the meeting. Hassan Wirajuda, together with several former foreign ministers, was involved in the national discourse organised by President Prabowo on Tuesday night. In the event, former Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Joko Widodo, and Vice Presidents Jusuf Kalla (the 10th and 12th), Boediono (the 11th), and Ma’ruf Amin (the 13th) also attended in fulfilment of President Prabowo’s invitation. There were also the chairmen of political parties represented in the DPR, representatives from the business sector, as well as members of the Red and White Cabinet and heads of state institutions. Hassan explained that in the meeting President Prabowo outlined the escalating tensions in Gulf states in the Middle East and their implications for Indonesia. The President also invited all participants to discuss Indonesia’s position amid the relatively weak enforcement of the United Nations and international law – the rule-based order – which is difficult to uphold when violations come from powerful states. ‘The President described how we must navigate our lives, not only around two reefs, but now several reefs, and that is not easy, hence the discussion focused on the implications for global security and peace, as well as potential effects of this war on the world economy, particularly regarding the supply of oil and gas,’ Hassan said. Hassan then assessed that the meeting was cordial, as the dialogue was two‑way, and the President was open to various proposals. ‘The President is very open to responding to the ideas proposed by participants,’ Hassan said.