Minister of Foreign Affairs: Indonesia Entered BoP in a Fragile Situation, Palestine Remains the Main

JAKARTA - The government acknowledges that Indonesia's decision to join the Board of Peace (BoP) was taken in the midst of the still fragile situation in Gaza and Palestine. Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that this step was not a deviation, but a strategic choice for Indonesia to remain on the path of the peace process.

After the President's meeting with Islamic figures, Sugiono said President Prabowo explained the geopolitical background, global economic pressures, and Indonesia's position in the midst of this dynamic. The explanation, he said, straightened out concerns that Indonesia's participation in the BoP could obscure support for Palestine.

"The direction of this effort is clearly towards a two-state solution," he said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta, Tuesday, February 3.

According to him, Indonesia chose to be at the table of the process, not outside the flow, so that it still has influence in encouraging Palestinian independence and sovereignty. Regarding the plan to send troops to Gaza, the government has established a task corridor and role limits to remain focused on protecting civilians.

Sugiono admitted that the field conditions were still easy to ignite. The New York group - eight countries with large Muslim populations - has issued a joint statement condemning the attack, which is considered to have injured the peace process. He asked all parties to refrain and respect the agreement.

He emphasized that every development must be handled coldly and measured, not emotionally. The meeting, said Sugiono, showed that the invited figures understood the direction of the policy.