Jakarta – A coalition of Indonesian university students and civil society groups staged a demonstration at the National Monument on Saturday, March 7, 2026, voicing strong opposition to the nation’s involvement in the Board of Peace (BoP), proposed deployment of Indonesian troops to Gaza, and existing trade relations with the United States. The protest reflects growing public scrutiny of President Prabowo Subianto’s foreign policy decisions and perceived alignment with international powers.
The demonstrators argue that Indonesia’s participation in the BoP, established by U.S. President Donald Trump, compromises the country’s longstanding commitment to Palestinian independence and non-colonial principles. Concerns center on the potential for the BoP to undermine the role of the United Nations and impose a solution on Gaza that does not reflect the will of the Palestinian people. The protest comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, further fueling anxieties about Indonesia’s position on the international stage.
Constitutional Mandate and Concerns of Subservience
Shofwan Al Banna Choiruzzad, a lecturer in International Relations at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia, articulated the protesters’ core argument, stating that Indonesia’s founding principles reject all forms of colonialism. “Indonesia was established as a declaration against the colonial world order, as outlined in the preamble of the 1945 Constitution, which states that colonialism must be abolished because it is incompatible with humanity and justice,” he said during the demonstration. Representatives from Universitas Indonesia and Universitas Sumatera Utara were among those participating, alongside various civil society organizations and pro-Palestinian groups.
Choiruzzad criticized the current administration’s foreign policy, accusing it of prioritizing the interests of global powers over Indonesia’s constitutional mandate. He asserted that policies demonstrate “subservience to the imperialist forces of the United States under Donald Trump and Netanyahu,” a sentiment echoed by many present at the protest, according to reports.
Seven Demands Issued to Government and DPR
The coalition presented seven specific demands to the Indonesian government and the House of Representatives (DPR). These demands center on a reassessment of Indonesia’s role in the BoP, a rejection of potential TNI troop deployment to Gaza under the BoP framework, condemnation of the U.S.-Israel military attacks on Iran, and a comprehensive evaluation of trade agreements with the United States. Protesters also called for measures to prevent Indonesia from supporting what they termed “global imperialism” and to promote social justice and economic sovereignty.
Specifically, the protesters urged the government to withdraw from the BoP if the organization fails to actively support Palestinian independence or halts violations of international law in Gaza. They also voiced strong opposition to the deployment of Indonesian troops to Gaza, particularly if the mission involves demilitarization efforts, fearing it could position Indonesia as a party to occupation. Al Jazeera reported that some groups believe Indonesia is being used to legitimize a plan to divide Gaza into quadrants, bypassing the United Nations.
Potential Troop Deployment and Trade Concerns
The potential deployment of 8,000 Indonesian troops to Gaza as part of a U.S.-backed stabilization force has also drawn significant criticism. JNS.org reported that Indonesia’s commitment to this force is contingent on the BoP’s effectiveness in benefiting the Palestinian people. The protesters fear that such a deployment could compromise Indonesia’s neutrality and align it with policies detrimental to Palestinian interests.
the coalition demanded a review of all trade agreements with the United States, arguing that these agreements are unfairly skewed and disadvantage Indonesia’s national interests. They contend that these trade deals contribute to a broader pattern of global imperialist practices and urge public pressure to correct these policies.
Looking Ahead
The demonstration underscores a growing wave of public discontent with President Prabowo Subianto’s foreign policy direction. The government now faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and reassess its involvement in the Board of Peace. Indonesia’s next steps regarding its participation in the BoP and potential troop deployment will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the government responds to the demands of the protesters and navigates the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
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