Annisa Lisya Bazlina, Jakarta – United Nations special rapporteur Francesca Albanese has urged Indonesia to reconsider its involvement in U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, warning that the United States and Israel shaped the initiative without meaningful Palestinian representation.
According to US News, Trump announced the establishment of the Board of Peace in January to address global conflicts typically handled by the UN. Indonesia has agreed to join the body and pledged troops for an international stabilization force in Gaza.
Albanese said Indonesia's participation was risky despite the country's longstanding support for the Palestinian cause. Indonesia's Foreign Ministry said discussions regarding the Board of Peace remained on hold.
UN expert warns of risks to Palestinian representation
Albanese argued that the board's structure could normalize a mechanism that does not adequately represent Palestinian interests. She also questioned Israel's role in determining the future of Palestinians.
Rights experts have criticized the initiative for lacking a Palestinian representative, despite its mandate to oversee the temporary governance of Gaza. A board official, however, said Palestinian leadership and ownership remained central to the process, pointing to a committee of Palestinian professionals responsible for Gaza's civilian administration and recovery.
Albanese dismissed such arrangements as tokenism and warned that Indonesia risked compromising its close relationship with the Palestinians by participating in a process whose rules were shaped by Israel.
Indonesia faces pressure over its role in Gaza plan
Indonesia supports a two-state solution and has repeatedly condemned Israeli violence. However, its decision to join the Board of Peace has drawn criticism from domestic Muslim groups, particularly because Israel is also a member.
President Prabowo Subianto has previously pledged to withdraw Indonesia from the initiative if it fails to benefit the Palestinians. His office has said participation would allow Indonesia to push for an end to the violence.
Albanese recommended that Indonesia instead strengthen its engagement with the Hague Group, which includes South Africa and neighboring Malaysia. The group seeks to uphold international law and legal processes, including proceedings at the International Criminal Court concerning Israel's actions.
Meanwhile, Trump's Gaza plan has stalled. Although a 2025 ceasefire secured the release of hostages held by Hamas and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, efforts to disarm Hamas and secure an Israeli withdrawal have faltered, while Israeli forces continue to carry out near-daily attacks in Gaza.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2122611/un-expert-urges-indonesia-to-reconsider-joining-board-of-peac