JAKARTA: Prabowo Subianto has clarified that Indonesia will not pay a $1 billion fee to join Board of Peace, an initiative linked to US President Donald Trump.
In a statement shared on his official YouTube channel, Prabowo said Indonesia’s role in the initiative is limited to contributing peacekeeping troops. He stressed that the country has made no financial commitment to secure permanent membership.
The “Board of Peace” was formed after a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending two years of war in Gaza. The initiative was developed with the involvement of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
However, the plan has faced criticism, with concerns that requiring a $1 billion fee for permanent membership could turn the body into a “pay-to-play” version of the United Nations Security Council.
Prabowo has also come under pressure at home, particularly from Muslim groups, for agreeing to join the initiative and for pledging to send 8,000 Indonesian peacekeeping troops to Gaza. In response, he said Indonesia would reconsider its participation if the initiative does not benefit Palestinians or serve the country’s national interests.
He further made it clear that Indonesia has not agreed to any financial terms, adding that the country reserves the right to withdraw from agreements that do not align with its priorities.
Meanwhile, discussions with Washington regarding a possible peacekeeping mission in Gaza have been paused, according to Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry.
