President Prabowo Subianto has unequivocally stated that Indonesia’s entry into the Board of Peace (BoP) was driven purely by its commitment to assist the Palestinian people. This humanitarian objective, he emphasized, has been clearly communicated to all other member states within the BoP.
Addressing the escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, President Prabowo announced that the Indonesian government has taken decisive action by suspending its involvement in the BoP until further clarity emerges regarding the volatile regional situation. This strategic pause reflects Indonesia’s cautious approach to complex geopolitical dynamics.
“After a war like this, we will consult,” Prabowo affirmed during the “President Prabowo Menjawab” event, held with senior journalists and observers at his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. “But the fact is, everything is on hold. I have announced, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs has also announced, that we are suspending, placing everything on hold. We are suspending all activities until a clearer explanation is provided.”
He further elaborated on Indonesia’s foundational principle, questioning, “Indeed, if there is no atmosphere of peace, how can we truly be involved? But once again, we must meticulously assess what tangible actions we can undertake to aid the Palestinian people, as their expectations of us are remarkably high.” This underscores Indonesia’s deep-rooted dedication to finding effective ways to support those in need.
President Prabowo highlighted the government’s highly judicious approach to any actions concerning the BoP, emphasizing the need for prudence in every step. This careful consideration ensures that Indonesia’s involvement remains aligned with its core foreign policy objectives and ethical responsibilities.
When pressed on whether the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States would serve as an indicator for Indonesia to potentially withdraw from the BoP, President Prabowo did not dismiss the possibility, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
“So we shall observe,” he added, “but ultimately, we must now proceed with extreme caution.” His remarks reiterated the delicate balance Indonesia seeks to maintain amidst regional instability.
“Yes, that is a very strong indicator,” Prabowo confirmed, referencing the regional conflict. “However, we are still coordinating closely with several of our partners within the BoP. We will certainly seek the opinions of key allies such as Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and others, as we navigate this challenging landscape.” This collaborative stance reflects Indonesia’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy in addressing the Middle East’s future.