Prabowo Discusses the Possibility of Indonesia Withdrawing from the Board of Peace
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has emphasised that Indonesia joined the Board of Peace (BoP) to support Palestinian independence. If it no longer aligns, Prabowo stated there is a possibility of withdrawing from the organisation.
Quoted from detikNews, this was expressed by Prabowo during a discussion with journalists and observers held in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, which aired on Thursday (19/3/2026). He first explained the reasons for joining the BoP.
Prabowo mentioned that in a UN General Assembly session, he affirmed support for Palestinian independence while promoting the two-state solution. Subsequently, Indonesia, along with seven leaders of Muslim-majority countries in the Group of Eight—such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt—were invited by US President Donald Trump.
Trump then proposed a peace plan for Gaza with a 21-point plan read by US special envoy Steve Witkoff. Prabowo noted interest in points 19 and 20, which state that Palestine will be given a path to become an independent nation capable of determining its own future. Additionally, there is a point that the US will facilitate dialogue between Israel and Palestine to enable them to live side by side in peace.
Prabowo assessed that the content of the proposal aligns with Indonesia’s view on the Palestinian issue, that long-term peace can be achieved through the two-state solution.
“So, we see that these (points) 19 and 20 offer an opportunity (for Palestinian independence) even though we know it’s slim. Finally, the eight of us (Muslim-majority country leaders) discussed, do we support this or not? Finally, through lobbying, we said we support it,” said Prabowo.
Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, appointed as their spokesperson, conveyed to Trump that those countries support the points of the plan.
“We like your plan. But the problem is not us. The problem is Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel,” said Prabowo, recalling the moment.
After that, the idea of forming the BoP emerged, which was simultaneously adopted in UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The eight Muslim-majority countries, referred to as the Group of Eight, negotiated and joined the BoP with the aim of providing greater space to influence policy directions in favour of Palestinian interests.
“If we’re inside, perhaps we can influence and help the Palestinian people,” said Prabowo.
“If we’re outside (the BoP), we can’t (advocate for Palestine). So, finally, we decided to join,” he continued.
Prabowo emphasised that Indonesia would not hesitate to withdraw from the BoP if its decisions do not align with Indonesia’s or Palestine’s interests. Indonesia could exit the council without needing to consult other Group of Eight members first.
“As long as we’re in the BoP and can help the Palestinian struggle, we will strive. Once we conclude there’s no hope and it’s counterproductive, we assess it’s a waste of time, energy, and not beneficial to Indonesia’s national interests, we will leave,” Prabowo asserted firmly.
“So, I’m carrying on Indonesia’s longstanding struggle. We have always defended Palestinian independence,” he added.