Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta – Indonesia said Friday that Palestinian independence would remain a key goal in its foreign policy as Jakarta joined the Gaza peace board amidst concerns over Israel's involvement in the organization.
President Prabowo Subianto recently inked the charter of the Board of Peace proposed by his American counterpart, Donald Trump. This marks Indonesia's official membership in the body that will oversee peace in Gaza. Despite skipping the charter's signing ceremony, Israel had earlier announced that its prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be on board. In a video statement, Foreign Minister Sugiono reaffirmed Jakarta's support for "the two-state solution", which aims to create a separate Palestinian state and that of Israel.
"For us, a real two-state solution must happen. Palestinian independence and recognition of its sovereignty are something that we have always fought for. This Board of Peace is a concrete alternative that we now have to achieve that goal," Sugiono said.
He went on to say that both the charter and the board should focus on "achieving independence and peace in Palestine".
Sugiono's remarks did not mention Israel or any other board member. But Israel being in this freshly launched body has sparked concerns at home, including from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority nation and has been vocal about Palestinian statehood. MUI has even urged Indonesian Muslims to boycott products from businesses perceived to be pro-Israel.
"We believe that the Board of Peace has a grave structural problem. Israel's status as an equal member, rather than as an occupying power that must be held accountable, is fundamentally flawed," MUI chair for foreign affairs Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim said.
A day earlier, Sugiono's spokesman Vahd Nabyl A Mulachela had clarified the $1-billion price tag hanging over its members. Media reports wrote that the fund raised would go toward rebuilding Gaza, but the $1-billion membership fee is open for those seeking a permanent spot in the body. Nabyl told the press that Indonesia had not entered into any talks on the payment, while putting an emphasis on the board's "temporary mechanism" nature.
President Prabowo Subianto has described Indonesia's peace board membership as a "historic opportunity" to achieve peace in the war-torn enclave.
"Most importantly, the suffering of Gazans has been greatly reduced. There has been an influx of aid [into the region]. Indonesia is ready to participate," Prabowo told reporters, shortly after signing the charter.
Indonesia does not have official diplomatic ties with Israel. However, the two are still engaging in export-import activities. Government data showed their trade totaled $263.8 million in the first 11 months of 2025. Speaking at a UN two-state solution conference back in September, Prabowo had said that his country was open to establishing ties with Israel under the condition that it recognizes Palestinian statehood.