Testing the Board of Peace's Commitment to Maintaining Global Peace
I extend my appreciation and gratitude to the Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, who in her Opening Address to the House session today, 10 March 2026, expressed condolences over the passing of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and her concern regarding the ongoing war crisis.
We all know that over the past four years, conflicts and wars have continued across various regions of the world, becoming increasingly escalatory. From the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel’s military aggression in Gaza, US invasion of Venezuela, to the US-Israel conflict with Iran, and Israeli attacks on Lebanon extending into the Arabian Peninsula. This certainly troubles all humanity worldwide, including us in Indonesia. These conflicts have begun to trigger a global economic crisis, including in our country.
Therefore, we can no longer remain silent. Indonesia has long been known to the world as an anti-colonial nation and has consistently advocated for peace. Indonesia is also respected and revered because we are one of the pioneering nations of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Even Indonesia’s Free and Active foreign policy concept has consistently received praise. This stance and policy are inspired by the premises and aspirations of our nation, as enshrined in the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution, which states that “colonialism must be abolished from the face of the earth” and “we must participate in maintaining world order based on independence, lasting peace and social justice”.
Subsequently, after hearing the aspirations expressed by many religious figures, community leaders, and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), it is time for the House to speak more firmly and concretely. Firm and concrete measures in following up on the House Chairperson’s speech, then by issuing a statement that becomes the official position of the House institution, in order to provide moral support and full political backing to the government. Particularly, support for President Prabowo Subianto to take strategic steps in efforts to end the wars.
The measures in question include, firstly, initiating a reconvening of all Board of Peace (BOP) members to reformulate and clarify the intent, concept, stance, and actions in implementing the word “peace”, and concretely stopping any military aggression or form of colonialism whatsoever. Secondly, if such meetings cannot be held and there is no good faith from countries in the BoP to genuinely maintain peace, I believe Indonesia should promptly withdraw from the BoP.
Thirdly, Indonesia must immediately take diplomatic initiatives, rally support from nations worldwide, coordinate with the UN, to end the wars. All of this concerns humanity, not religion or belief. All of us human beings must unite against war, killing, and colonialism.