Palace Denies There Is a Rejection, Says Differences in Attitudes about BoP due to Lack of Information

JAKARTA - The Presidential Palace confirmed that the meeting between President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto with the leaders of Islamic community organizations, ulama, and pondok pesantren caregivers aims to absorb aspirations and bridge differences of opinion regarding Indonesia's participation in the Board of Peace (BoP).

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the meeting was held at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Tuesday, February 3 and various elements of society, including Islamic figures.

"The agenda of the President today is to hold meetings and discussions with mass organizations, Muslim figures, and heads of pesantren. This is actually a routine meeting, some time ago it was also carried out," said Prasetyo.

He explained that the forum was a means of direct communication between the government and the public, especially in the midst of emerging differences of opinion regarding a number of policies, including Indonesia's participation in the Board of Peace.

According to Prasetyo, the difference in attitudes that emerged from some Islamic organizations cannot be fully interpreted as a rejection of government policies, but rather because the information has not been fully conveyed regarding the background of the decision.

"It's not resistance. Maybe there are still differences of opinion because it hasn't been fully conveyed what underlies the President's and government's decisions, including the points set out in the Board of Peace," he said.

He hopes that through direct dialogue, the government can explain the strategic considerations behind Indonesia's participation in the forum, so that a more comprehensive understanding is created.

"I think this forum allows the President to convey these points directly in the hope that they can be accepted and understood by all parties," he added.

Prasetyo also emphasized that President Prabowo had taken into account the opinions of the people in the formulation of the 2024 presidential candidate. "The people's opinion is very important. We have to listen to the people's opinions," he said.

The issue of Indonesia's membership in the Board of Peace previously raised differences of opinion between the government and a number of Islamic organizations. The government views the forum as a diplomatic channel to fight for humanitarian and peace interests, including for Palestine, while some organizations consider it necessary to be cautious so that the policy remains in line with Indonesia's foreign policy position.

Through the meeting at the Palace, the government hopes that the differences can be managed through dialogue and open communication.