TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Yahya Cholil Staquf, the chair of the Islamic group Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Executive Board said Indonesia could leverage its membership in the Board of Peace to mediate the war between Israel, the US, and Iran. While Washington invokes the fighting despite being the initiator of the Board of Peace, Yahya still believes there's no need for Indonesia to exit the organization.
According to Yahya, Indonesia must find a way to utilize the Board of Peace for peace efforts. "Let's use whatever tools we have at hand," said Yahya before attending an iftar event with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Yahya said the Board of Peace can still serve as a platform for Indonesia despite appearing powerless amidst the US-Israel war on iran. "We should not discard something that could actually be useful just because it seems weak," he said.
The PBNU chair said Indonesia must utilize all available instruments for peace efforts. "If we need to dig a hole but don't have a shovel, and only have a spoon, then let's dig with that spoon. Something like that," Yahya remarked.
During the iftar event with Islamic community leaders today, Yahya mentioned that Prabowo is likely to provide explanations on various current issues. These explanations, he said, include strategic steps taken by the President, both in domestic and international contexts. "He may also share insights with community leaders and scholars regarding the latest developments in the worrisome international dynamics," said Yahya.
Several figures from various Islamic community organizations were invited to join the iftar with Prabowo. Among those present were the Chair of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board Yahya Cholil Staquf, the Chair of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board Haedar Nashir, and the Chair of the Indonesian Ulema Council Anwar Iskandar.
Dozens of other invited guests also arrived at the Palace this afternoon. Among them were leaders of Islamic boarding schools and well-known preachers.
Read: Muhammadiyah Chief Says Better to Exit Board of Peace Than Humiliated by Trump
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