President Prabowo Emphasizes Indonesia’s Realistic Diplomacy and Precautionary Principle in Joining the Board of Peace

Former Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Dino Pati Djalal, in his press statement at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (2/04), states that President Prabowo has a realistic approach to Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace.

In a meeting with Indonesia’s diplomatic figures, academics, practitioners, as well as the Deputy Chairman and members of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR), at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (2/04), President Prabowo outlined Indonesia’s foreign affairs policy, especially regarding the Board of Peace and efforts to resolve the conflict in Palestine. Former Vice Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Dino Pati Djalal, stated that President Prabowo has a realistic approach in addressing Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace.

According to Dino, the Board of Peace is currently the only available option amid the complexity of the ongoing conflict. “My impression is that President Prabowo has a realistic approach to this matter. Realistic in what sense? At the moment, the Board of Peace is the only available option, there is no other option,” said Dino.

Dino also emphasized that the Board of Peace is not an instant solution, but rather an effort fraught with risks and uncertainty. However, President Prabowo is seen as fully understanding these potential challenges, including geopolitical risks involving various international actors.

“Basically, this (the Board of Peace) is an experiment and not a potent remedy that can cure all kinds of illnesses. And I think President Prabowo is being realistic towards this matter,” added Dino.

Dino also highlighted President Prabowo’s emphasis on the importance of maintaining unity with the Islamic countries as the balancing factor in the process. Moreover, Dino also expresses appreciation towards President Prabowo’s precautionary stance in upholding Indonesia’s national interests and principles, including Indonesia’s readiness to withdraw if the policy is not in accordance with Indonesia’s basic principles.

“What I like the most, and this is also aligned with the stance of the Foreign Policy of Indonesia, is that we participate with a precautionary manner and continue to hold on to the option to withdraw when the policy is contradicted with our principles and interests,” emphasized Dino.

Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Hasan Wirajuda underscored the importance of the consultation process undertaken by the Government before deciding to join the Board of Peace. He stated that the decision was made after intensive dialogue with other Muslim-majority populations and Islamic countries.

“So Indonesia joined the Board of Peace after going through two consultation rounds with other Muslim-majority populations and Islamic countries,” stated Hasan.

Hasan explained that these eight Muslim-majority populations and Islamic countries serve as a balancing power in the decision-making process within the Board of Peace, while also ensuring that the process aligns with humanitarian objectives. Hasan also underscored that the conflict resolution process can be conducted outside the United Nations (UN) framework, citing various international diplomatic practices from the past.

“In other words, we do not have to be a priori. There are processes outside the UN framework, and that does not need to be interpreted negatively. Of course, as long as it produces results,” he stated.

Hasan further stated that the meeting with President Prabowo provided a more comprehensive understanding of the Board of Peace, including Indonesia’s sovereignty in determining the continuity of its involvement. “We also have the sovereignty to decide whether we will continue or not, depending on how this process unfolds in line with our true intention, which is to help the Palestinian people,” concluded Hasan. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of the Presidential Secretariat) (TCUD/LW)