jpnn.com, JAKARTA – The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has urged the government to withdraw Indonesia’s membership from the Board of Peace (BoP). In response, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that the government would promptly initiate a dialogue with MUI regarding this significant request.
“We will engage in a dialogue with MUI,” stated Prasetyo Hadi on Monday while attending the 2026 National Coordination Meeting for Central and Regional Governments in Sentul, Bogor, West Java. He emphasized the government’s respect for MUI’s aspirations, believing that dialogue is a crucial platform to clarify Indonesia’s rationale for joining the international forum.
Prasetyo further elaborated, “We will later provide a comprehensive explanation as to why Indonesia decided to become a member of this Board of Peace.” He underscored that Indonesia’s involvement in the BoP is an integral part of its diplomatic strategy, designed to foster communication and articulate Indonesia’s stance on the global stage, particularly concerning the struggle for Palestinian independence. “Joining the BoP,” he explained, “is a vital means for us to build dialogue. Without our participation, how can we engage, offer input, and express our views to advocate for the recognition of Palestinian independence?”
Addressing the concerns surrounding membership contributions or fees for the BoP, Prasetyo affirmed that such payments are a fundamental aspect of Indonesia’s commitment as a participant in an international forum. This commitment was formalized when President Prabowo officially signed Indonesia’s BoP membership charter on January 22, 2026, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
According to information from MUI’s official website, the council’s demand for Indonesia’s withdrawal stems from its belief that the BoP does not genuinely advocate for Palestine’s interests. Deputy Chairman of MUI, KH M Cholil Nafis, deemed Indonesia’s participation in the forum, initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, as “unnatural” given that the Israeli Prime Minister is a member while Palestine remains conspicuously excluded.
Furthermore, MUI has sharply criticized the mandatory membership fees imposed on BoP member states. The council also explicitly accused the BoP of embodying a form of neocolonialism, emphatically rejecting its concept of “false peace.” MUI argues that this framework is not founded on justice, fails to acknowledge Palestine as an occupied nation, and risks perpetuating the Israeli occupation under the guise of a peace agreement. (antara/jpnn)
Summary
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has urged the government to withdraw Indonesia’s membership from the Board of Peace (BoP). In response, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed the government would initiate a dialogue with MUI to clarify Indonesia’s rationale for joining the international forum. MUI’s demand stems from its belief that the BoP does not genuinely advocate for Palestine’s interests, highlighting that Israel is a member while Palestine is excluded.
Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that Indonesia’s involvement in the BoP is a crucial diplomatic strategy to foster communication and advocate for Palestinian independence globally. He stated that membership contributions are a fundamental commitment, formalized when President Prabowo signed Indonesia’s BoP charter. However, MUI also criticized mandatory membership fees and accused the BoP of embodying neocolonialism, rejecting its concept of “false peace” which they argue fails to acknowledge Palestine as an occupied nation.