Full Breakdown
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto to Attend Trump's Board of Peace Meeting
2/12/2026, 8:08:14 AM
Overview of the Board of Peace Initiative
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is set to attend the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" on February 19 in Washington, D.C. This board, which aims to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza following years of conflict, has attracted participation from around 19 countries. The initiative has been met with skepticism, particularly regarding its structure and the requirement for permanent members to contribute $1 billion, raising concerns about a "pay-to-play" dynamic akin to the UN Security Council.
Indonesia's Commitment to Peacekeeping
Indonesia has expressed readiness to deploy up to 8,000 troops as part of a multinational peacekeeping effort in Gaza, marking a significant commitment to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) mandated by the UN Security Council. The Indonesian military's focus will be on peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts. However, the specifics of the deployment, including the number of personnel and timing, remain under discussion, with no final decisions made as of yet.
Trade Deal Negotiations
In conjunction with the Board of Peace meeting, Indonesia is also poised to finalize a long-anticipated trade deal with the United States. This agreement, which aims to reduce US tariffs from 32% to 19% and eliminate levies on over 99% of US goods, is seen as a pivotal step in enhancing bilateral trade relations. Indonesian officials have indicated that the signing of this agreement is contingent upon President Prabowo's attendance at the meeting.
Criticism and Opposition
The decision to join the Board of Peace has sparked criticism from various quarters within Indonesia, particularly from Islamic groups and foreign affairs analysts. Critics argue that the board lacks adequate Palestinian representation and question the motivations behind Indonesia's involvement. Dinna Prapto Raharja, a foreign affairs analyst, expressed regret over Prabowo's decision, suggesting that it reflects a willingness to compromise principles for political gain. Additionally, there are concerns about the implications of deploying troops without thorough consultation with civil society and parliament.
Official Statements and Responses
The Indonesian government has reiterated its commitment to contributing to peace and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the country is preparing to send troops, pending the finalization of operational details. Meanwhile, Prabowo has engaged with prominent Islamic groups to address concerns regarding the Board of Peace and Indonesia's role within it.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While Indonesia's defense ministry has indicated readiness to send troops, the exact number and deployment schedule remain unclear, with ongoing negotiations regarding the membership fee for the Board of Peace. Additionally, there are conflicting reports about the extent of Indonesia's commitment, with some sources suggesting a potential withdrawal from the board if conditions are not favorable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In principle, Indonesia is ready to contribute to peace and humanitarian efforts,” — Rico Ricardo Sirait, Defence Ministry Spokesman
- “I'm among those who regret the president's decision to join the Board of Peace without doing due diligence, engagement with experts and civil society and consulting the parliament,” — Dinna Prapto Raharja, Foreign Affairs Analyst
- “The total number is approximately 20,000 [across countries] … it is not only Indonesia,” — Prasetyo Hadi, Presidential Spokesperson
As Indonesia navigates its involvement in the Board of Peace and the accompanying trade negotiations, the outcomes will likely have significant implications for its foreign policy and regional stability.
