Jakarta, Feb. 20 -- Indonesia's Foreign Ministry said Thursday that joining the US-initiated Board of Peace for Gaza does not signal recognition of Israel or support for its actions, reaffirming Jakarta's longstanding backing of Palestinian independence.

Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha C. Nasir made the remarks during a coordination meeting with the House of Representatives' Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency, or BKSAP, in Jakarta on Feb. 19.

In a statement released Friday, Nasir said Indonesia's participation in the board, launched by US President Donald Trump, is aimed at ensuring the country remains engaged in international efforts to promote justice, independence and lasting peace for the Palestinian people.

He told lawmaker...