Prabowo Invites Islamic Groups to Discuss Gaza Peace Board Membership

Jakarta: President Prabowo Subianto has invited representatives of major Islamic organizations to the Presidential Palace to exchange views on Indonesia’s membership in the Gaza Board of Peace (BoP), an initiative launched by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Cholil Nafis confirmed the invitation when contacted in Jakarta on Tuesday morning, saying the meeting is scheduled for later in the day.

“Yes, I have been invited to this afternoon’s discussion, which I was informed will address the BoP,” he said.

Saifullah Yusuf, Secretary General of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) and current Minister of Social Affairs, also confirmed the meeting.

“It is true that the meeting will take place at 2 p.m.,” he told reporters, as quoted by Antara on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Meanwhile, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti, who serves as Secretary of the Muhammadiyah Central Board, said he will attend the meeting alongside Muhammadiyah Chairman Syafiq Mughni.

“Prof. Syafiq Mughni and I will represent Muhammadiyah at the talks,” he said.

The invitations come amid public criticism of the government’s decision to join the BoP, with the MUI urging Indonesia to withdraw, arguing that the initiative contradicts the country’s long-standing commitment to supporting Palestine’s struggle for independence.

Responding to the criticism, Minister of State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi said on Monday (February 2) that the government would engage in dialogue with the MUI to clarify its policy.

“This step is part of our effort to build dialogue. If we do not join the board, how can we engage and convey our views so that the Palestinian people can gain recognition of their independence?” he said in defense of the decision.

President Prabowo joined President Trump and several world leaders in launching the BoP on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22. The board was formally established with the signing of a charter.

“I believe this is a historic opportunity to achieve peace in Gaza,” Prabowo told reporters after the launch.

He stressed that the board brings together countries that share Indonesia’s determination to support the Palestinian people.

In addition to Indonesia, the BoP charter was signed by Hungary, Bahrain, Morocco, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.