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Indonesia Seeks to Leverage Peace Board for US-Iran Dialogue, NU Leader Urges Action
Jakarta – In a move signaling Indonesia’s commitment to global peace efforts, President Prabowo Subianto is being encouraged to actively utilize the country’s membership in the Board of Peace (BoP) to foster dialogue between the United States and Iran. The call for action came from Yahya Cholil Staquf, Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Indonesia’s largest independent Islamic organization, during a visit to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, March 5, 2026. This initiative underscores Indonesia’s increasingly prominent role in international diplomacy, particularly in navigating complex geopolitical challenges. The Board of Peace, established by former US President Donald Trump, presents a potential, albeit unconventional, avenue for mediation, according to Staquf.
Staquf emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need to find a way to utilize the BoP for peace efforts. Whatever we have at our disposal, let’s use it.” He conveyed this message directly to President Prabowo, stressing the importance of maximizing Indonesia’s position within the organization. The PBNU Chairman’s remarks reflect a growing concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and a desire to see Indonesia contribute proactively to de-escalation. He acknowledged the challenges inherent in the task, comparing the effort to “digging a hole with a spoon if you don’t have a shovel,” but insisted that even modest steps are crucial.
The Board of Peace, often referred to as BoP, was initially conceived as a platform for fostering understanding and cooperation on a range of global issues. However, its effectiveness and composition have been subject to scrutiny. While the initiative was launched under the Trump administration, its current status and influence under the subsequent administration remain a topic of discussion. Indonesia’s involvement in the BoP, represents a strategic decision to engage with existing frameworks, however imperfect, in pursuit of its foreign policy objectives. The organization’s potential to facilitate back-channel discussions and build bridges between conflicting parties is what Staquf hopes President Prabowo will capitalize on.
Indonesia’s Consistent Support for Palestine
Staquf’s advocacy for utilizing the BoP is rooted in Indonesia’s long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause. He highlighted that Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace aligns with its consistent stance of supporting the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. “This decision [to join the BoP] is appropriate based on the eternal commitment to help Palestine,” he stated during a press conference at the PBNU headquarters in Jakarta on January 30, 2026, as reported by Tempo. This commitment has been a cornerstone of Indonesian foreign policy for decades, transcending changes in government.
Indonesia has historically been a strong advocate for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has consistently called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories. The country has also provided humanitarian aid to Palestinians and actively participated in international efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution. Staquf believes that Indonesia’s involvement in the BoP can provide a valuable platform to amplify these efforts and advocate for a just and lasting peace. He stressed that Indonesia’s role is not merely symbolic but should involve actively seeking ways to advance the interests of the Palestinian people within the framework of the Board.
Navigating a World of Uncertainty
The call to action comes at a time of heightened global instability, with conflicts and tensions simmering in various parts of the world. Staquf underscored the need for Indonesia to capture proactive steps to promote peace and stability, particularly in regions facing acute crises. “We must take steps to help Palestine, one of them is by joining the Board of Peace,” he asserted. This sentiment reflects a broader recognition within Indonesian foreign policy circles that the country cannot afford to remain passive in the face of global challenges.
The potential for external influence within the Board of Peace, particularly from the United States and Israel, was acknowledged by Staquf. He cautioned that the organization could be subject to competing interests and agendas. However, he maintained that this should not deter Indonesia from engaging constructively and pursuing its own objectives. “Don’t let anything, even if it seems weak, that can be used be discarded,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of utilizing all available resources to advance the cause of peace. This pragmatic approach reflects a realistic assessment of the challenges involved while remaining optimistic about the potential for positive change.
Expressions of Condolence and Regional Diplomacy
Beyond the focus on the US-Iran dynamic and the Palestinian issue, Staquf also addressed Indonesia’s recent expression of condolences following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran. He affirmed that Indonesia’s gesture of sympathy was a standard diplomatic practice and did not diminish its commitment to peace. The condolences were conveyed through a letter delivered by Foreign Minister Sugiono to the Iranian Embassy in Jakarta. Kompas.com reported that Staquf stated, “As a matter of course, when someone dies, we offer condolences. NU also conveyed its condolences, of course. But beyond that, there is the effort to do everything possible to stop violence and achieve peace.”
This diplomatic nuance highlights Indonesia’s careful balancing act in navigating complex regional relationships. While maintaining strong ties with both the United States and Iran, Indonesia seeks to position itself as a neutral mediator capable of fostering dialogue and understanding. The expression of condolences, was seen as a gesture of respect rather than an endorsement of any particular political position. Indonesia’s foreign policy is predicated on the principle of “free and active,” which emphasizes its independence and its commitment to contributing to global peace and stability.
As Indonesia assumes a more prominent role on the international stage, its ability to leverage platforms like the Board of Peace will be crucial. President Prabowo Subianto is expected to evaluate the country’s continued membership in the BoP in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape, according to reports. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether Indonesia can effectively utilize this platform to advance its peace-building agenda and contribute to a more stable and secure world. The PBNU’s call for proactive engagement serves as a timely reminder of the importance of diplomatic efforts in addressing the complex challenges facing the international community.
The next step will be closely watching for any official statements from President Prabowo regarding Indonesia’s strategy for engaging with the Board of Peace. Further developments are expected as Indonesia continues to navigate its role in international diplomacy. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this important issue in the comments below.
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