February 4, 2026 | 07:19 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Cholil Nafis, expressed his skepticism regarding the Board of Peace to President Prabowo Subianto. Cholil expressed his stance when invited by Prabowo to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta along with leaders of other Islamic community organizations on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
During the meeting, the leaders of the mass organizations discussed Indonesia's membership in the Board of Peace. Initially, Cholil said, Prabowo explained that joining the US-founded organization was an effort to bring about change from within. The council was formed, in part, to address the situation in Gaza, Palestine, following the Israeli offensive.
Cholil said he responded to Prabowo's explanation during the forum. "We conveyed our skepticism. I conveyed it directly," Cholil said after the meeting.
Cholil doubted Indonesia could advocate for the Palestinian people through the Board of Peacel. This was because Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a US ally, has yet to recognize Palestinian independence.
Indonesia, he said, supports a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel. However, he noted that Palestine still lacks independence, even though many countries have recognized it. One of the main reasons, he said, is that the United States, which established the Board of Peace, does not recognize Palestinian sovereignty.
Furthermore, Cholil said, Israel's ongoing aggression in Gaza is also a reason for skepticism among community organization leaders. Israel has also never complied with various agreements. "The attacks are still ongoing," he said.
Cholil said the Indonesian government should fight for the independence of a sovereign Palestine. He does not want Indonesia to merely legitimize a false peace through membership in the Board of Peace.
Cholil said he does not want the Board of Peace to become merely an extension of US President Donald Trump. "We conveyed that this should not be a Board of Peace, but a Board of Trump," he said.
Nevertheless, Cholil said he respects Prabowo's stance on fighting from within the Board of Peace. "He asked for time to try to fight internally, because internal struggle may be more effective than external struggle. That was his answer," he said.
Cholil outlined several parameters that must be achieved for peace in Palestine to truly materialize. First, he said, is Palestinian independence.
Second, he said, is that Palestine must be able to govern its own country. "Third, of course, is Palestine's involvement in the Peace Council," he said.
Prabowo, Cholil said, responded to these notes. The President, Cholil said, views Indonesia's membership in the Board of Peace as an effort to bring about change from within.
However, Cholil said Prabowo is ready to resign from the Board of Peace if it is not beneficial for Palestine. "If he really can't bring about change, he (Prabowo) is ready to resign from the Board of Peace. That's what I understand," Cholil said.
Prabowo invited several Islamic community organizations to the Presidential Palace on Tuesday. More than 50 people were invited to the Palace for discussions with Prabowo, including one regarding the Board of Peace.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said Prabowo explained his decision to join the Board of Peace in a meeting today. "I think this afternoon's forum is also part of an opportunity for the President to convey these points, hoping they can be accepted and understood by all parties," Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday.
Prasetyo acknowledged that there are still differing views on the merits of Indonesia's membership in the Board of Peace. Several Islamic organizations invited included the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board (PP), the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).
Read: MUI Supports Indonesia's Entry into Board of Peace After Meeting Prabowo
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