Jakarta – Indonesia has moved to clarify its position regarding participation in the US-initiated Board of Peace for Gaza, emphasizing that its involvement does not equate to recognition of Israel or endorsement of its policies. The reaffirmation of Jakarta’s longstanding commitment to Palestinian independence came during a meeting between Indonesian Foreign Ministry officials and members of the House of Representatives’ Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) on February 19th.
Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha C. Nasir stated that Indonesia’s decision to join the board, launched by US President Donald Trump, is intended to ensure continued engagement in international efforts aimed at achieving justice, independence, and a lasting peace for the Palestinian people. This participation, officials explained, provides a platform to influence diplomatic processes concerning Gaza while upholding Indonesia’s constitutional mandate to support the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The move comes as Indonesia prepares to potentially deploy up to 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of an International Stabilization Force (ISF), a component of Trump’s broader peace plan for the region. Indonesia began training a contingent of soldiers for this potential deployment, marking the first firm commitment from a nation to contribute to the peacekeeping force. Yet, officials were quick to stress that Indonesia’s forces will not be authorized to disarm any groups in Gaza and will not engage in combat, according to reporting from Deutsche Welle.
Balancing Diplomacy and Constitutional Mandates
BKSAP Chairman Syahrul Aidi Maazat underscored the importance of adhering to Indonesia’s “free and active” foreign policy doctrine, which prioritizes independence in decision-making and active participation in global peace initiatives. “It is vital to ensure that Indonesia’s presence in international forums, including the Board of Peace, remains consistent with the Constitution and our long-standing support for Palestinian independence,” Maazat said. “We cannot let our diplomacy lose its moral compass.”
The meeting between the Foreign Ministry and BKSAP also served as an opportunity to strengthen coordination on foreign policy initiatives and align priority agendas. Both sides agreed to enhance information-sharing regarding strategic developments and expand inter-parliamentary partnerships to bolster Indonesia’s international influence. Officials anticipate that this closer collaboration will help synchronize diplomatic programs and advance Indonesia’s national interests while contributing to global peace efforts.
Indonesia’s commitment to a two-state solution remains firm, with officials reiterating that this path is essential for achieving lasting peace in the region. President Prabowo Subianto has also warned against efforts to derail the Gaza peace process, signaling a continued dedication to finding a resolution.
The Board of Peace and the International Stabilization Force
The Board of Peace, chaired by US President Donald Trump, is part of a US-supported peace plan for Gaza that was approved by the United Nations Security Council in November. The plan envisions the ISF providing security in the Gaza Strip while gradually phasing out the Israel Defense Forces, which currently controls 53 percent of the enclave. Hamas, which controls the remaining portion of Gaza, is expected to disarm, though its willingness to do so remains a significant challenge to the plan’s implementation. The proposed multinational peacekeeping force could total approximately 20,000 troops.
The deployment of Indonesian troops is still subject to final approval from President Prabowo Subianto, with the departure schedule contingent on both political decisions and applicable international mechanisms. The Indonesian military is currently preparing personnel, focusing on engineering and medical units, to function as peacekeeping forces.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, Indonesia’s role within the Board of Peace and its potential contribution to the ISF will be closely watched. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the US-backed peace plan can gain traction and lead to a sustainable resolution for the region.
What impact will Indonesia’s involvement have on the broader diplomatic landscape surrounding the Gaza conflict? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
