Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will withdraw from US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace if it fails to benefit Palestinians, according to a government statement.
Conditional commitment explained
The former general faces growing criticism from Muslim groups for joining the board and promising thousands of peacekeeping troops to Gaza.
This follows a ceasefire that ended two years of heavy conflict there.
Prabowo met leaders of local Muslim groups this week and explained that Indonesia’s involvement seeks lasting peace in Gaza.
He made clear, however, that the country would pull out if the board delivers no gains for Palestinians or goes against national interests.
The statement, released by a government communication agency on Friday, quoted Hanif Alatas of the Islamic Brotherhood Front.
“The President said that if he sees that there is no longer any benefit for Palestine… and it is not in line with Indonesia’s national interest, then he will withdraw,” Hanif said.
Call for withdrawal from MUI
Earlier this month, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the country’s top clerical body, urged the government to leave the board.
MUI described it as “ineffective in realising true peace in Palestine”.
Pledge made in Washington
Prabowo attended the first meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington last month.
At the gathering, he committed to sending 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of the International Stabilisation Force.
