Alfida Rizky Febrianna, Jakarta – Former foreign ministers expressed support for Indonesia's participation in the Board of Peace for Gaza after receiving direct briefings from President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace on Wednesday.
The board, initiated by US President Donald Trump, has drawn criticism from Muslim leaders and foreign policy observers at home, who fear it could lean too heavily toward US and Israeli interests. Concerns have also centered on a proposed $1 billion contribution from participating countries.
Former foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda, who served under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, said Indonesia's membership – alongside seven other Muslim-majority countries – could instead serve as a counterbalancing force within the board.
Indonesia is joining Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in the initiative.
"These eight countries can become a balancing force within the Board of Peace, including in shaping the decisions taken by this body," Hassan said.
He added that Indonesia's participation should be recognized as a genuine effort to help ease the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
Former foreign minister Alwi Shihab, who served during the presidency of Abdurrahman Wahid, also stressed that Indonesia's commitment to Palestine remains unchanged despite joining the board.
"Most importantly, as explained by the president, Indonesia has never abandoned its commitment to the Palestinian cause," Alwi said.
He reaffirmed that Indonesia continues to uphold the two-state solution as the only viable path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"The president emphasized to the public that Indonesia's participation is nothing more than a commitment to defend Palestine and to seek a just solution for the Palestinian people," Alwi said.
During the meeting, Prabowo also clarified that Indonesia is not obligated to pay the proposed $1 billion contribution to the board, explaining that the funds – earmarked for Gaza reconstruction – are voluntary.
Those in attendance also included former foreign ministers Marty Natalegawa and Retno Marsudi.