DaysofPal- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has warned that Indonesia could withdraw from the peace council established by U.S. President Donald Trump if the body fails to deliver tangible benefits for the Palestinian people.
The statement was included in a government release issued Friday, as the ongoing war involving Iran has raised growing doubts about Jakarta’s continued participation in the council.
Indonesia’s involvement in the council, along with its decision to contribute troops to a proposed international stabilization force for Gaza Strip, has sparked criticism from experts and Islamic groups at home.
Critics argue that such participation could undermine Indonesia’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.
A U.S. official confirmed on Friday that the security situation in the Middle East may affect the timeline for deploying the international stabilization force authorized by the United Nations Security Council, in which Indonesia is expected to be a key contributor.
Responding to questions about uncertainty surrounding Indonesia’s role, a Trump administration official told Reuters that discussions with Indonesian partners are ongoing despite possible adjustments to deployment schedules depending on conditions on the ground.
Earlier this week, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said that discussions surrounding the peace council, tasked with overseeing the establishment of the stabilization force, have been paused due to the war with Iran.
According to the government communications office, Subianto met Thursday evening with leaders of several domestic Islamic organizations to explain the rationale behind Indonesia’s participation in the council.
In the statement, Hanif Alatas of the Muslim Brotherhood Front said the president made clear that Indonesia’s membership would be reconsidered if it no longer served Palestinian interests.
“The president said that if he sees there is no longer any benefit for Palestine, and that the council does not align with Indonesia’s national interests, then Indonesia will withdraw,” Alatas was quoted as saying.
Last month, the U.S. commander of the stabilization force, intended to help rebuild Gaza, said the deputy commander would come from Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ulema Council, one of the country’s leading religious bodies, has already called for Indonesia to withdraw from the council because of Washington’s role in the war involving Iran.
Critics maintain that participation in the council risks weakening Indonesia’s historic backing for the Palestinian cause.
However, the country’s largest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, suggested Jakarta could instead use its role to promote de-escalation in the region.
In a statement released late Thursday, Nahdlatul Ulama leader Yahya Cholil Staquf said Indonesia could push for the council’s agenda to be suspended until diplomatic talks are held to reduce tensions and seek peace amid the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=72793
