Indonesian Ulema Council Calls for Indonesia to Withdraw from US-Led Peace Council Amidst Iran Attacks
Jakarta – The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has urged the Indonesian government to withdraw its membership from the Board of Peace (BoP), a US-led initiative established by former President Donald Trump, following recent attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. The call comes as concerns escalate over regional stability and the potential for wider conflict in the Middle East.
MUI Condemns Attacks and Expresses Condolences
The MUI issued a statement on Sunday, March 1, 2026, condemning the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, deeming them contrary to humanitarian values and the preamble of the 1945 Indonesian Constitution. The council also expressed deep condolences for the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as a result of the attacks. Kompas.id reported on the MUI’s stance.
Concerns Over the Board of Peace’s Legitimacy
The MUI argues that the BoP is ineffective in maintaining world security and questions the motives behind its formation. They believe the initiative serves to strengthen an unequal security architecture and obstruct Palestinian independence. The council specifically urged Indonesia to reconsider its involvement, citing concerns that the BoP is a tool for advancing a particular agenda, rather than fostering genuine peace. Voi.id also reported on this urging.
Support from Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI)
The call for withdrawal is supported by the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI). Rev. Gomar Gultom, Chairman of the Advisory Council for the PGI, stated he had questioned Indonesia’s entry into the BoP from the beginning and urged the President to leave even before the current conflict began. Gultom believes the BoP aims to weaken the United Nations, particularly the UN Security Council, and is a personal instrument of Donald Trump to legitimize his group’s agenda regarding the Middle East, especially the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Geopolitical Implications and Potential for Escalation
The MUI expressed concern that the military attacks by Israel and the United States against Iran, and subsequent retaliations, represent a serious escalation with the potential to drag the Middle East region into a broader open conflict. They emphasize the need for all countries to prioritize peace and protect civilians. The council also noted the broader geopolitical context, particularly the potential implications for the Israel–Palestine conflict, and stressed that further militarization may complicate diplomatic efforts toward a just and sustainable resolution. LinkedIn reported on these concerns.
MUI’s Nine-Point Statement
The MUI’s official stance was formalized in a nine-point statement (Kep-28/DP-MUI/III/2026) signed by Chairman KH Anwar Iskandar and Secretary General Amirsyah Sanusi Tambunan. The statement reiterates Indonesia’s constitutional commitment to contributing to a world order based on independence, lasting peace, and social justice, as outlined in the 1945 Constitution. Kompas.id provided details on the statement’s content.
The MUI believes that the US and Israel must stop attacking Iran to avoid a wider escalation, citing Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of states.