Prabowo Open to Criticism Over BoP

President Prabowo Subianto has welcomed a range of input and criticism concerning the proposal for Indonesia to suspend or even withdraw from membership of the Board of Peace (BoP). ‘If someone suggests something like that, the government is not anti-criticism. We listen while considering the circumstances,’ said Nusron Wahid, Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning / Head of the National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), while accompanying the President at a meeting with ulama figures and Islamic civil society organisations at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday evening (5 March). He said the President has a duty to provide a full explanation of Indonesia’s position on BoP membership. According to Nusron, the President has never closed himself off and listens to all input and criticisms presented by various parties. Nevertheless, the government believes that a forum such as BoP remains an important vehicle for pursuing peace. The government’s position is to regard BoP as part of Indonesia’s diplomatic endeavour to promote peace. Nusron said such efforts should be tried first before taking other steps. ‘The Indonesian nation has accepted BoP as a means, as an endeavour towards peace. At least this endeavour should be tried first. It would be unacceptable that the endeavour and its efforts have not been carried out, yet we are asked to withdraw,’ he explained. Nusron added that the President also questions alternative forums if Indonesia exits BoP. According to the government, at present the forum is the only available venue for discussing peace efforts in Palestine and Gaza. He explained that Indonesia, together with eight other countries, has agreed to use the forum as a diplomatic space to promote dialogue and conflict resolution. Among those present were Rais Aam of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Miftachul Akhyar, Muhammadiyah General Chairman Prof. Haedar Nashir, and the General Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) KH Anwar Iskandar. Attending the event from the Red and White Cabinet were the Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar, Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, and Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar. The meeting with the ulama began at 19:00 WIB and ended around 23:00 WIB.