Indonesians Stage Pro-Palestine Protests, Oppose Proposed BoP Membership

Protesters cite Indonesia’s anti-colonial identity and constitutional principles in opposing alignment with Washington-backed agenda

Indonesia | PUREWILAYAH.COM — Hundreds of Indonesians across multiple regions took to the streets in coordinated peaceful demonstrations to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and to reject growing discourse surrounding Indonesia’s potential involvement in the so-called Board of Peace (BoP) initiative, a project widely associated with US President Donald Trump.

Mobilization Reflects Deep Public Concern

The demonstrations were held simultaneously in several cities and regions, including Jepara, Bondowoso, Probolinggo, Balikpapan, and Malang, reflecting widespread public engagement with the Palestinian cause and unease over Indonesia’s foreign policy trajectory.

Despite geographical differences, participants delivered a unified message: Indonesia’s national identity—born from resistance to colonialism—must remain the moral foundation guiding its diplomatic and political decisions.

Anti-Colonial Identity at the Core of the Message

Protesters carried Palestinian flags, banners calling for justice, and placards emphasizing humanitarian values. The rallies involved a broad spectrum of society, including community leaders, students, religious figures, and civil society activists. Organizers stressed that all actions were conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner.

One speaker stated that solidarity with Palestine is not merely a political stance but a humanitarian and moral obligation.

“Indonesia was born from a struggle against colonialism. Our Constitution explicitly rejects all forms of oppression. Any policy that risks weakening our moral position must be carefully reconsidered,” the speaker said.

Concerns over Foreign Policy Alignment with Washington

Another protest coordinator referenced the Preamble of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, which affirms that freedom is the right of all nations and that colonialism must be abolished worldwide.

He warned that participation in politically sensitive initiatives linked to Washington could undermine Indonesia’s long-standing consistency on the Palestinian issue and entangle the country in Western-driven geopolitical frameworks that contradict its independent foreign policy tradition.

Solidarity with Gaza and Call for International Accountability

Participants also expressed deep concern over the continuing civilian casualties in Gaza, urging the international community to prioritize humanitarian protection and pursue a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.

Indonesia has long been recognized as one of the most consistent supporters of Palestinian self-determination in international forums. The demonstrations reflected public expectations that this principled stance should not be compromised by alignment with US-led initiatives that have historically failed to deliver justice for the Palestinian people.

The rallies concluded with collective prayers and calls for global peace. Protesters reaffirmed that their movement is grounded in justice, sovereignty, and human dignity—values they argue stand in stark contrast to Western power politics and selective interpretations of international law.

As global alignments shift and Western credibility continues to erode over Palestine, the demonstrations sent a clear signal: significant segments of Indonesian society expect their country to remain firmly anchored in anti-colonial principles and independent diplomacy, rather than subordinated to US-centered geopolitical projects. (PW)