Indonesia may leave Trump's Board of Peace if it 'does not benefit' Palestine

Indonesia is likely to exit the United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump's Board of Peace (BoP) if Palestine does not "benefit" from the organisation.

According to ANTARA News, chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ahmad Muzani said on Mar. 4 that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed the possibility of leaving the BoP "several times".

He also reportedly said on Mar. 6 that the country will withdraw from the BoP if "there is no longer any benefit for Palestine", Reuters reported.

Prabowo may also "re-evaluate" membership due to U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran

Muzani, who was responding to media questions after a meeting with Prabowo, said: "For Indonesia, participation in and withdrawal from the BoP is something that could happen, as the president has mentioned several times."

He added that the country can exit the organisation "at any time", but also noted that it must be by "mutual agreement".

Muzani noted that Indonesia had initially joined the BoP because it believed the platform could help accelerate efforts towards an independent Palestine.

However, he said the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran had prompted Indonesia to "re-evaluate" its role in the platform.

"The BoP is part of an effort to accelerate the Palestinian independence process, as well as the development, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Palestine. That is the main objective of establishing the BoP," said Muzani.

Will withdraw if it no longer benefits Palestine

Prabowo had also met several Indonesian Islamic group leaders on Mar. 5 and reiterated his reasoning for joining the board.

"The president said that if he sees that there is no longer any benefit for Palestine and that it is not in line with Indonesia's national interests, he will withdraw,” said Hanif Alatas of the Islamic Brotherhood Front.

Indonesia's participation in the board has drawn criticism from experts and Islamic groups in Indonesia, who say it compromises the country's support for the Palestinian cause.

The Indonesian Ulema Council, a leading clerical body, has previously called for Indonesia to exit the board due to the U.S. role in the ongoing Iran war.

Top photos via Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia & Canva