In a significant development in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, a coalition of prominent Indonesian Islamic scholars (ulama) and national figures emphatically rejected the “Board of Peace (BoP),” an initiative established by former United States President Donald Trump. This firm statement of opposition was issued during a forum held at the Sofyan Hotel, marking a clear stance against what they perceive as a geopolitically charged endeavor.
KH Muhyiddin Junaidi, Deputy Chairman of the Consultative Council of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), articulated the core of their dissent, asserting that the BoP is not a genuine instrument for peace. Instead, he branded it a “global political tool” heavily laden with the specific interests of the United States and Israel. Muhyiddin’s written statement starkly declared, “The Board of Peace initiated by Trump is not born of justice, but from a global power dynamic that is imbalanced and oppressive.”
Furthermore, Muhyiddin contended that the Board of Peace poses a significant threat to national sovereignty. He warned of its potential to intervene in domestic policies, subjugate developing nations to global geopolitical agendas, and ultimately weaken Indonesia’s position as a free and sovereign nation. Critically, he argued that the BoP fundamentally fails to address the deep-seated issues of imperialism, neo-colonialism, global inequality, and economic-political dominance that truly destabilize world peace.
The scholars’ condemnation deepened with Muhyiddin’s assertion that the BoP’s foundational principles and operational mechanisms are designed merely to “manage conflict to keep it controlled.” This, he elaborated, serves the explicit purpose of perpetuating Israel’s occupation of Palestine, alongside advancing Donald Trump’s commercial interests in property, tourism, and what he termed “immoral entertainment.”
Given these grave concerns, the assembled ulama and national figures unequivocally rejected the Board of Peace’s existence and legitimacy in any form or scheme. Their declaration also firmly opposed any attempts to normalize colonialism, genocide, and global oppression under the guise of peace. They issued a strong demand for true justice for Palestine, advocating for the absolute independence of the Palestinian nation and the unconditional liberation of Al-Aqsa, free from double standards, while also calling for an immediate halt to Israeli aggression.
Further extending their appeal to the Indonesian government, Muhyiddin urged a decisive withdrawal from Trump’s Board of Peace. He passionately called for the nation to “consistently uphold its constitutional mandate: to oppose colonialism worldwide.” This demand underscores a foreign policy stance that is “firm, dignified, and champions global justice.”
In a contrasting development, Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono affirmed his support for President Prabowo Subianto’s policy to join the “Board of Peace (BoP) for Gaza,” also initiated by former US President Donald Trump. Juliantono’s presence at a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the Sofyan Hotel Cut Meutia in Jakarta on the same day, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, was in his capacity as Secretary-General of Serikat Islam (SI).
Responding to journalists following the FGD, which was organized by Persatuan Alumni (Persada) 212 alongside Pecinta Al Aqsa, led by KH Ahmad Sobri Lubis, Ferry clarified his position. “I came here (to the FGD) as the Secretary-General of Serikat Islam. In my capacity as a minister, I affirm that I support the stance and policy of President Prabowo Subianto, who has joined the BoP,” he stated as he departed for his vehicle. He further indicated that he was heading directly to the Presidential Palace to attend a meeting with leaders of Islamic organizations, where Indonesia’s potential membership in the BoP was being discussed, coinciding with the FGD.
During his brief 15-minute address at the close of the FGD, where he sat alongside Deputy Chairman of Persada 212 Munarman, Ferry conveyed Serikat Islam’s position. He explained that SI backs President Prabowo’s policy regarding the BoP, albeit with specific considerations and reservations.
Summary
On February 3, 2026, in Jakarta, a coalition of prominent Indonesian Islamic scholars and national figures unequivocally rejected the “Board of Peace (BoP)” initiative by former US President Donald Trump. KH Muhyiddin Junaidi of MUI argued that BoP is a “global political tool” serving US and Israeli interests, not genuine peace, and poses a threat to national sovereignty. They condemned the initiative for perpetuating Israel’s occupation of Palestine and urged Indonesia to withdraw from it, advocating for Palestine’s independence.
Conversely, Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono, present at the same event, affirmed his support for President Prabowo Subianto’s policy to join the “Board of Peace (BoP) for Gaza.” Speaking as Secretary-General of Serikat Islam (SI) and a minister, Juliantono confirmed SI’s backing for Prabowo’s decision, albeit with specific considerations. He also mentioned attending a palace meeting to discuss Indonesia’s potential membership.