Major Indonesian Christian Group Urge Government to Withdraw From Board of Peace After Iran Strikes

Jakarta, MINA – The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) has joined the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in urging the government to withdraw from the Board of Peace (BoP) following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February 2026.

PGI said it supports MUI’s call for Indonesia to leave BoP, arguing that the body has failed to act impartially amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Rev. Gomar Gultom, head of PGI’s advisory council, said the board’s leadership structure lacks balance and effective oversight, limiting the influence of member states.

“Without meaningful checks and balances, members risk becoming mere spectators,” he said, adding that Indonesia should remain consistent with its long-standing “free and active” foreign policy principle.

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Both PGI and MUI condemned the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, saying the military action which reportedly caused casualties and widespread damage undermines global peace efforts and risks further destabilizing the region.

They urged the Indonesian government to prioritize balanced diplomacy and actively promote dialogue among all parties to prevent further civilian harm and regional escalation.

The statements come amid heightened global concern following the Feb. 28 strikes on strategic sites in Iran, which prompted strong reactions from Tehran and renewed international calls for restraint.

In Indonesia, the appeal has sparked debate. Some civil society and humanitarian groups support withdrawing from the BoP as a demonstration of policy consistency and solidarity with broader justice concerns. Others argue that maintaining membership would allow Indonesia to preserve diplomatic leverage within international forums.

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MUI previously issued a formal advisory condemning the strikes and questioning the Board of Peace’s credibility as a conflict-resolution platform. The council urged the government to reassess its participation to safeguard Indonesia’s diplomatic standing and its longstanding support for Palestinian rights.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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