Indonesia Warns It Could Exit Trump's 'Board of Peace' Over Palestine - Modern Diplomacy

Indonesia has signaled it may withdraw from U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” initiative if the platform fails to deliver meaningful benefits for Palestinians.

President Prabowo Subianto made the assurance during a meeting with leaders of major Islamic organisations, according to a government statement. The gathering came after domestic criticism of Jakarta’s decision to join the initiative and offer troops for a potential Gaza stabilisation force.

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has historically positioned itself as a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, making its participation in a U.S.-backed peace platform politically sensitive at home.

Domestic Criticism and Religious Pressure

Several influential Islamic groups and analysts in Indonesia have voiced concerns that joining the initiative could undermine the country’s long-standing diplomatic stance on Palestine.

The Indonesian Ulema Council, one of the country’s most influential clerical bodies, previously urged the government to withdraw from the initiative, citing the United States’ involvement in the ongoing regional war involving Iran.

During Thursday’s meeting, Prabowo reiterated that Indonesia’s participation was intended to support Palestinian interests and explore diplomatic avenues for stability in Gaza. Representatives of Islamic groups said the president had pledged to reassess the decision if the initiative failed to serve those goals.

Strategic Debate Inside Indonesia

Some religious leaders and policy voices have taken a more cautious stance. The influential Islamic organisation Nahdlatul Ulama suggested Indonesia could use its role within the board to advocate de-escalation in the Middle East and push for renewed peace efforts.

Its chairman, Yahya Cholil Staquf, said Jakarta could call for the board’s agenda to be paused until negotiations begin to ease regional tensions.

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono has already indicated that discussions within the Board of Peace have effectively been suspended due to the wider regional war.

Analysis: Balancing Diplomacy and Domestic Legitimacy

Indonesia’s cautious stance highlights the delicate balance Jakarta faces between international diplomacy and domestic political legitimacy.

On one hand, participation in the Board of Peace offers Indonesia a rare opportunity to influence a major diplomatic initiative concerning Gaza and the broader Middle East. For a country that has long advocated Palestinian self-determination, engagement could allow Jakarta to push its agenda from within the platform rather than from the sidelines.

On the other hand, Indonesia’s domestic political environment makes alignment with a U.S.-led initiative particularly sensitive. Public opinion and religious organisations often view Washington’s Middle East policies with skepticism, especially during periods of heightened conflict involving Israel or Iran.

By signaling a willingness to withdraw if Palestinian interests are not served, Prabowo appears to be attempting a dual strategy: maintaining diplomatic engagement while reassuring domestic constituencies that Indonesia’s traditional support for Palestine remains intact.

Whether the Board of Peace becomes a meaningful diplomatic mechanism or collapses under the weight of regional conflict will determine whether Jakarta’s calculated participation proves strategically useful or politically costly.

With information from Reuters.