Peace Board is Debated, MUI Emphasizes Palestine, Jusuf Hamka Talks about Strategy

JAKARTA - The issue of the Board of Peace has brought a different tone from the figures who came to the Palace. Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council Amirsyah Tambunan brought the constitutional mandate on the independence of the nation, while businessman Jusuf Hamka emphasized the importance of reading the President's steps as a strategy.

"We convey aspirations to the government. Peace should not be half-and-half. Peace must be concrete, trustworthy, lasting peace," said Amirsyah at the Presidential Palace complex, Tuesday, February 3.

He emphasized that independence is the right of all nations and colonialism must be abolished.

"Including Palestinian independence," he said. He said that the mass organizations would convey their attitude after hearing the President's instructions.

At the same location, Jusuf Hamka, who was also present as an invitee at the meeting between Islamic organizations and President Prabowo Subianto, saw a different approach.

"We have to believe President Prabowo. He is a strategist. Don't suudzon, you have to husnudzon," he said.

He assessed that being in the forum gave a greater room for influence. "Rather than watching outside, it's better to color inside," he said.

The statements of the two show that this issue has not been read with one pair of glasses.

One side demands consistency in the principle of independence, the other side talks about bargaining positions at the international table. The official attitude of the mass organization is said to still be waiting for a direct explanation from the President.