Indonesia, along with seven other Muslim-majority nations, has announced its joining of the Gaza Peace Council initiated by US President Donald Trump. The decision was revealed in a joint statement by foreign ministers, including Indonesia's Sugiono, to support stability in Palestine. However, experts warn against involvement that could harm Palestinian interests.
US President Donald Trump announced the formation of the Gaza Peace Council last week, involving figures such as Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel. The body is tasked with overseeing the mobilization of international resources for Gaza, serving as a temporary authority under the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, supported by UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
On January 22, 2026, Indonesia decided to join through a joint statement by Foreign Minister Sugiono and counterparts from Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. "The ministers announce the joint decision of their countries to join the Peace Council," the statement read. They will soon sign participation documents and push for the council's role as a temporary authority in the Gaza Strip, while emphasizing the Palestinian people's right to establish a sovereign state in accordance with international law.
This step is expected to accelerate a just peace in Gaza and pave the way for regional security. Trump even opened the possibility of the council replacing the UN in the future, saying, “It might,” when asked by reporters at the White House. He added that the UN has not fully reached its potential, though its mandate should continue.
However, the initiative has drawn mixed reactions. Several European countries worry it could undermine the UN's central role in global conflicts. University of Indonesia international relations expert Broto Wardoyo advised caution: “It's okay for Indonesia to join, but it must be accompanied by caution... Don't let our involvement there harm Palestine.” He highlighted the complexity of the US- and Israel-driven mechanism, which does not fully involve Palestinian elements, and potential contributions to the International Stabilization Force (ISF). Wardoyo also warned of Indonesian public opinion, where the majority oppose a two-state solution, and risks of Gaza reconstruction becoming isolated enclaves like Bantustans.
The Kremlin, via spokesman Dmitry Peskov, stated Moscow is unaware of full details and hopes for clarification. CBS reported more than 10 countries have joined, though only five publicly: UAE, Belarus, Morocco, Hungary, and Canada. A signing ceremony is planned for today.
