JAKARTA: Indonesia has signalled it might withdraw from the US-proposed "Board of Peace" if the decisions of the board do not align with Indonesian or Palestinian interests, stated Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday (March 19), reported Xinhua.
Speaking during a discussion with journalists and analysts in Bogor, West Java, Prabowo explained that Indonesia's decision to join the board was driven by a strategic calculation to advance Palestine's interests from within the forum. He emphasised that participation would provide a more meaningful avenue to influence policy directions compared to staying outside the body.
However, the president underscored that Indonesia's membership was conditional and subject to evaluation. He warned that his country would not hesitate to exit the board should its outcomes prove counterproductive or fail to align with Indonesia's commitment to Palestinian independence.
He stressed that Indonesia retained the right to withdraw independently without requiring approval from other members.
Indonesia’s stance reflects its long-standing foreign policy priority of supporting Palestinian statehood. Prabowo reiterated that engagement in international mechanisms is aimed at ensuring the country can actively contribute to advancing a just and lasting solution.
US President Donald Trump officially launched the board in the Swiss city of Davos in January. The group has been met with doubts and indifference, as many countries expressed concerns that it could overlap or undermine the role of the United Nations. - Bernama-Xinhua
