Prabowo Explains Reasons for Indonesia and Majority-Muslim Countries Joining BoP

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has explained the reasons for Indonesia and other majority-Muslim populated countries joining the Board of Peace (BoP).

During a discussion with several experts and senior journalists in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, the video recording of which aired on Thursday, Prabowo stated that Indonesia’s decision to join the BoP was made after careful consideration, with the aim of supporting full Palestinian independence.

On that occasion, Prabowo explained that Indonesia’s involvement in the formation of the BoP began on 23 September, when he delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly.

At that time, Prabowo affirmed support for Palestinian independence while also promoting the two-state solution.

A few hours later, he continued, Prabowo, along with seven leaders of majority-Muslim 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 to a meeting.

In that meeting, Trump reportedly asked those countries to support the 21-point plan, a proposal to create sustainable peace in Gaza. According to Prabowo, the details of those points were read out one by one by the US special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Prabowo then listened carefully to the proposal and was interested in points 19 and 20, which explained that Palestine would be given a path to become an independent nation capable of determining its own future.

Additionally, there was a point that the US would facilitate dialogue between Israel and Palestine so they could live side by side in peace.

The content of the proposal was deemed to align 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 limited. Finally, we eight (leaders of majority-Muslim countries) discussed, do we support this or not? Finally, through lobbying, we said we support it,” said Prabowo.

Subsequently, the leaders appointed the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to be their spokesperson to convey to Trump that those countries support the points of the plan.

“We like your plan. But the problem is not us. The problem is Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu,” said Prabowo, recalling the moment.

A short while after the meeting, according to him, the idea emerged to form the BoP, which has since been adopted in UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

In response to this development, the eight majority-Muslim countries, later referred to as the Group of Eight, held further consultations on whether to participate or not.

Based on the results of the consultations, they assessed that joining the BoP would provide greater room to influence policy directions in favour of Palestinian interests.

This, said Prabowo, is far more realistic and concrete in advocating for Palestinian independence than choosing not to join the BoP.

“If we are inside, perhaps we can influence and help the Palestinian people,” said the President.

“If outside (the BoP), we cannot (advocate for Palestine). So, finally we decided, we join,” he added.

Nevertheless, the Head of State said Indonesia would not hesitate to withdraw from the BoP if its decisions do not align with Indonesia’s or Palestine’s interests.

In fact, according to him, Indonesia could leave the council without needing to consult the other Group of Eight members first.

“As long as we are in the BoP and can help the Palestinian struggle, we will strive. Once we conclude there is 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,” he added.

Prabowo hopes that Indonesia and the other Group of Eight members can contribute positively to long-term peace in Palestine.

“So, I am carrying out the Indonesian nation’s struggle from the past. We have always defended Palestinian independence,” said the President.