Jakarta, March 5, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday sought the support of Islamic clerics for the government’s position on rising tensions in the Gulf following recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran.
Speaking at a meeting held at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta, President Prabowo said Indonesia’s policies were guided by the need to safeguard national unity, territorial integrity and state sovereignty amid rapidly evolving regional developments.
The gathering brought together more than 160 clerics, Islamic scholars, leaders of Islamic boarding schools, representatives of Islamic mass organizations, senior figures from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), and several government officials, including members of the Red and White Cabinet.
Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ahmad Muzani said the meeting aimed to exchange views and provide participants with updates on the latest geopolitical and geoeconomic developments.
“The president explained that every policy adopted by the government is intended to protect the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia, maintain national unity and uphold state sovereignty,” Muzani told reporters after the meeting late Thursday.
He said participants expressed understanding of the government’s position and pledged their support and prayers for the administration’s efforts.
“They understand that the steps taken by the president are on the right path, and we were asked to continue supporting and praying so that his policies can proceed smoothly,” Muzani added.
The meeting lasted more than three hours, beginning at the time of the breaking of the fast and continuing with a dialogue session from 8:00 p.m. local time until after 11:00 p.m.
Presidential Special Adviser for Hajj Affairs Muhadjir Effendy said President Prabowo also briefed participants on Indonesia’s involvement in the Board of Peace (BoP) initiative for Gaza, launched by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Muhadjir, a senior figure in the Muhammadiyah Islamic organization, said the president stressed that Indonesia’s decision to join the body followed extensive consultations with leaders from Gulf countries.
“The president emphasized that joining the BoP was not a sudden decision. It followed a long process and discussions with leaders in the region, particularly in the Gulf,” Muhadjir said.
He added that President Prabowo described Indonesia’s participation as a “strategy from within,” aimed at contributing to peace efforts in Gaza through direct engagement in the forum.
