In a statement issued on Sunday, President Prabowo said Indonesia had made no financial commitment to the initiative. “We never said that we would contribute $1 billion,” he stated, rejecting the impression that Jakarta was financially bound to the plan.
The “Board of Peace” was established following a ceasefire in Gaza brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, with the aim of promoting peace and stability in the region.
However, the requirement of a $1 billion fee for permanent membership has drawn criticism, with some comparing it to a “pay-to-play” version of the United Nations Security Council.
President Prabowo has also faced domestic criticism, particularly from Muslim groups, after indicating that Indonesia could send up to 8,000 peacekeeping troops to Gaza.
He emphasized that Indonesia is willing to participate in peacekeeping efforts, but any deployment would require approval from Palestinian leadership, Muslim-majority countries, and other relevant stakeholders.
He added that Indonesia could withdraw from the initiative if it does not benefit Palestinians or align with national interests.
According to reports, discussions with Washington regarding a Gaza peacekeeping mission have been put on hold, partly due to rising tensions in the Middle East.
Prabowo also noted that Indonesia reserves the right to withdraw from any international agreement, including a recent trade deal with the United States, if it is found to be against the country’s national interests.
