Indonesia to Leverage Peace Council Role for US-Iran Peace: PBNU Leader

PBNU Urges Indonesia to Leverage Board of Peace for US-Iran De-escalation

Jakarta – The Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Indonesia’s largest independent Islamic organization, is encouraging President Prabowo Subianto to actively utilize Indonesia’s membership in the Board of Peace (BoP) to foster peace negotiations between the United States and Iran. The call from PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf, often referred to as Gus Yahya, came as he was preparing to meet with President Prabowo at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The organization believes any avenue for de-escalation, but small, should be pursued.

A “Spoon-Digging” Approach to Peace

Gus Yahya emphasized the necessity of employing every available resource, even if limited, in the pursuit of peace. He likened the situation to “digging a hole with a spoon if you don’t have a shovel,” highlighting the importance of utilizing whatever tools are at hand, regardless of their perceived inadequacy. “We must use whatever we have because the interest in peace is absolute,” he stated. This sentiment underscores a pragmatic approach to conflict resolution, acknowledging the challenges while maintaining a commitment to finding solutions.

What is the Board of Peace?

The Board of Peace, or BoP, was established by former US President Donald Trump. According to reports, the initiative aims to facilitate dialogue and mediation efforts in conflict zones, particularly in the Middle East. Indonesia’s recent inclusion in the BoP has been viewed by PBNU as a significant opportunity to contribute to regional stability and advocate for the interests of Palestine. Tempo.co reports that Gus Yahya believes President Prabowo’s decision to join the BoP was a “correct decision based on the eternal commitment to facilitate Palestine.”

PBNU’s Consistent Support for Palestine

This support for utilizing the BoP is consistent with PBNU’s long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause. Gus Yahya stressed that Indonesia’s involvement in the Board of Peace is part of a broader effort to find the most effective means of supporting the future of Palestine. He reiterated the importance of Indonesia maintaining a consistent presence in any initiative aimed at assisting Palestine, stating, “I strongly support that President Prabowo Subianto play that role seriously, so that over time, continuously, we do not miss out on any effort to help Palestine.”

Differing Views on the Board of Peace

While PBNU supports Indonesia’s participation in the BoP, other Indonesian Islamic organizations hold differing views. IDN Times reports that Muhammadiyah, another prominent Islamic organization in Indonesia, has firmly rejected Indonesia’s involvement, viewing the Board of Peace as an antithesis to the United Nations (PBB). This divergence in opinion highlights the complex dynamics within Indonesian civil society regarding international peace initiatives.

Acknowledging Potential Challenges

Gus Yahya acknowledged the potential for the Board of Peace to be influenced by the interests of the United States and Israel. However, he expressed confidence that dialogue and engagement within the framework of the BoP could still yield positive results. He believes that peace for Palestine can be achieved through dialogue between the involved national leaders.

Indonesia’s Response to Regional Tensions

Beyond the BoP, PBNU likewise expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s expression of condolences following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran. The condolences were conveyed through a letter delivered by Foreign Minister Sugiono to the Iranian Embassy in Jakarta. Gus Yahya emphasized that offering condolences is a customary practice upon the passing of any individual, while reaffirming PBNU’s commitment to actively working towards ending violence and achieving peace. “We must stop the war, stop, peace now. There is no other alternative,” he stated.

The Urgency of De-escalation

Gus Yahya’s remarks underscore a growing sense of urgency regarding the necessitate for de-escalation in the region. He warned that failure to achieve peace would have catastrophic consequences for all involved, stating, “If we don’t, no one will survive. No one will survive. We must stop this violence immediately by any means possible.” This statement reflects a deep concern for the humanitarian implications of continued conflict and a strong desire for a peaceful resolution.