Indonesia has joined the Board of Peace for Gaza initiated by US President Donald Trump, but experts warn against merely following American interests. The membership was signed on January 22, 2026, in Davos, Switzerland, aiming to halt violence and expand humanitarian aid for Palestinians. However, scholars stress upholding principles of Palestinian independence.
The Board of Peace for Gaza, initiated by Donald Trump in September 2025, aims to oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire that began on October 10, 2025. On January 22, 2026, the charter was signed in Davos, Switzerland, attended by Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
According to Indonesia's Foreign Ministry, the country's membership seeks to promote the cessation of violence, protect civilians, and expand humanitarian aid access for Palestinians in Gaza. "The purpose of Indonesia's membership in the Board of Peace is to encourage the cessation of violence, protection of civilians, and expansion of humanitarian aid access for Palestinians in Gaza," stated RI Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Vahd Nabyl Mulachela during a press conference in Jakarta on January 22, 2026.
However, Indonesia's involvement has drawn scrutiny from experts. Shofwan Al-Banna Choiruzzad from Universitas Indonesia believes Indonesia must alter the board's dynamics if participation is unavoidable. "If Indonesia cannot withdraw and has already joined, ensure that Indonesia is able to change the 'game' within the Board of Peace for Gaza formed by Trump," he said on January 25, 2026. He warned against Indonesia becoming a subordinate or mere 'guard' for Trump's real estate projects in Gaza, referencing Prabowo's September UN General Assembly speech rejecting the Thucydides doctrine.
Prof Yon Machmudi, a Middle East expert at UI, added that Indonesia and seven Arab nations in the board should direct efforts to end Israel's occupation and achieve Palestinian independence. "The Board of Peace should be directed to end Israel's occupation and colonization, and to provide peace and independence to Palestine," he stated. If this vision is unmet, Indonesia should withdraw, as the primary goal is supporting Palestine, not US interests that favor Israel.
Experts emphasize consistency in Indonesia's foreign policy principles amid a vulnerable global geopolitical landscape.
