Prabowo says Indonesia joined BoP after consulting Gulf states

He made the statement during a gathering with Islamic clerics and scholars at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday night (March 5), according to Muhadjir Effendy, a senior figure at the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board.

“Mr. President emphasized that he did not abruptly decide to join the BoP; Indonesia’s membership followed a long process and discussions with several leaders in the Middle East, including those of Gulf states,” he told the media after the meeting.

He added that the head of state used the three-hour forum to outline Indonesia’s role in the council, particularly in light of escalating regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Effendy, who served as coordinating minister for human development and culture, noted that President Prabowo described his approach to the Palestinian issue in the BoP as a “strategy from within.”

“Indonesia has long fought (for Palestinian independence) from the outside; now, we try to make efforts from the inside,” he explained.

He further expressed belief that the president’s BoP initiative remains consistent with Indonesia’s long-standing commitment to advocating for an independent Palestinian state, as mandated by the 1945 Constitution.

He added that the government remains committed to promoting the implementation of the two-state solution and the 20-point peace plan of the BoP.

“We must continue to strive for the independence of Palestine despite the risks and consequences. In fact, points 19 and 20 of the peace plan firmly declare coexistence between Palestine and Israel as the goal of the BoP,” Effendy remarked.

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Translator: Mentari/Galuh, Tegar Nurfitra