The global geopolitical landscape of early 2026 was marked by a highly significant diplomatic move by the Republic of Indonesia under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto. Indonesia’s decision to become a founding member of the Board of Peace (BoP) initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked wide-ranging debates among international relations analysts, policymakers, and civil society. This institution, inaugurated on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026, positions itself as an international body tasked with overseeing stability, reconstruction, and transition in conflict zones, with an initial focus on post-conflict Gaza. For Indonesia, this decision is not merely a pragmatic step to secure bilateral economic interests but a manifestation of the “Free and Active” foreign policy doctrine transforming into a more proactive force in shaping a new world order.
Institutional Anatomy and Architecture of the Board of Peace
Understanding the rationale behind Indonesia’s participation requires an in-depth analysis of the Board of Peace’s structure. The BoP is not a conventional international organization born from pure multilateral consensus, but rather a body driven by Donald Trump’s personal leadership and transactional vision. It is rooted in the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” a 20-point roadmap proposed by the Trump administration in late 2025 and granted initial legitimacy through UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The BoP Charter establishes a framework that extends beyond Gaza, granting a mandate for intervention in global peace in any region deemed threatened by conflict.
The leadership structure of the BoP reflects a blend of U.S. political power and global private sector influence. Donald Trump serves as the Chairman with dominant powers, including veto rights over decisions and sole authority to invite or remove members. Below the Chairman is an Executive Board filled with key figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The involvement of figures like World Bank President Ajay Banga and Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan emphasizes the organization’s heavy focus on financial resource mobilization and economic reconstruction.
Chairman of the Board: Donald J. Trump. Highest authority, final decision-maker, and setter of global strategic direction.
Executive Board: Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, Tony Blair. Daily oversight, diplomacy among member states, and implementation of technical policies.
National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG): Ali Sha’ath. Palestinian technocratic administration managing civil services in post-conflict Gaza.
International Stabilization Force (ISF): International Military Personnel. International security force to maintain the ceasefire and train local police.
Gaza Executive Board: Ajay Banga, Marc Rowan. Coordination of global funding for physical reconstruction and infrastructure projects.
Indonesia’s participation provides a crucial dimension of moral legitimacy to the BoP. As the world’s most populous Muslim nation and a steadfast supporter of the Palestinian cause, Indonesia’s presence balances the perception that the institution is entirely controlled by a pro-Israel agenda or unilateral U.S. interests. President Prabowo views this as an opportunity to inject a Global South perspective and ensure that the Gaza peace process does not ignore the aspirations of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Strategic Motivations of President Prabowo Subianto
President Prabowo’s decision to join the Board of Peace was based on a calculation that combines constitutional idealism with geopolitical realism. In his statement in Davos, Prabowo called the move a “historic opportunity” to concretely end the suffering of the Palestinian people. Several motivational pillars underpin this decision, each interlinked in the effort to strengthen Indonesia’s bargaining position on the world stage.
First is the commitment to the Palestinian issue. Indonesia consistently demands that any peace mechanism must lead to a “Two-State Solution.” Through direct involvement in the BoP, Indonesia gains access to the decision-making process regarding Gaza’s transition governance, the restoration of Palestinian civil administration, and oversight of large-scale humanitarian aid. Indonesia’s presence at the negotiating table alongside nations like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar allows for the formation of a balancing bloc within the council to advocate for the self-determination rights of the Palestinian people.
Second is the strengthening of an active foreign policy. Under the Prabowo administration, Indonesia seeks to leave behind its role as a spectator in global crises. Joining the BoP is seen as a tangible realization of the mandate in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution to participate in maintaining world order. Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that this participation is a strategic step to “influence from within,” where Indonesia can provide political input to ensure BoP policies remain aligned with international law and do not become a new tool for aggression.
- Palestine Advocacy. Ensuring the Gaza transition remains focused on Palestinian independence and sovereignty. Two-State Solution.
- Moral Legitimacy. Providing a voice for the Islamic world and developing nations in peace forums. International Justice for the Global South.
- Diplomatic Pragmatism. Securing a seat at the oval table of global decision-making alongside the U.S. Enhanced Indonesian Bargaining Position.
- Geopolitical Response. Balancing the influence of major powers (U.S. vs. China) through active engagement. Indo-Pacific Regional Stability.
Third is the dimension of economic pragmatism. It is undeniable that diplomatic proximity to the Trump administration through the BoP initiative is closely linked to ongoing bilateral trade negotiations. Indonesia is working to finalize the Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ART), which aim to lower export tariffs for major Indonesian products to the U.S. market. By demonstrating support for Trump’s primary peace agenda, Indonesia positions itself as a strategic partner deserving of preferential treatment in economic and investment matters.
Economic Impacts and Bilateral Trade
One of the most tangible benefits of President Prabowo’s decision to join the Board of Peace is the acceleration of economic cooperation with the United States. During the period between late 2025 and early 2026, the two nations conducted intensive negotiations to reach a revolutionary reciprocal trade agreement. While the Trump administration had previously imposed high tariffs on various imported products, these negotiations targeted a reduction in tariffs for Indonesian products from an average of 32 percent to 19 percent.
The deal, known as the Reciprocal Tariff Agreement (RTA) or ART, is projected to quadruple bilateral trade volume, reaching an annual value of approximately USD 40 billion. These economic benefits are crucial for Indonesia as it strives to boost national economic growth amid the challenges of global economic fragmentation. Indonesia gains broader market access for major commodities such as palm oil, coffee, cocoa, and tea, which were previously often hindered by protectionist policies.
- Agriculture & Plantations.Tariff exemptions for exports of palm oil, coffee, tea, and cocoa to the U.S. Market access for U.S. soybean and wheat products without complex import licenses.
- Critical Minerals. Downstream mineral investment (nickel, copper) for U.S. technology supply chains. Removal of export restrictions on critical minerals from Indonesia to the U.S. market.
- Aerospace & Energy. Purchase of U.S. aircraft and energy technology worth billions of dollars. Cooperation in renewable energy infrastructure and energy security.
- Digital Technology. Investment in data centers and removal of import duties on electronic transmissions. Customs moratorium for “intangible” products in accordance with WTO standards.
- Manufacturing Standards. Improved manufacturing quality aligned with U.S. safety standards. Acceptance of U.S. vehicles and automotive products based on federal standards.
Beyond trade in goods, Indonesia has also secured significant investment commitments in the critical minerals sector. The United States is looking to diversify its technology supply chains away from China, and Indonesia, with its abundant nickel and copper reserves, serves as an ideal partner. Through this framework, Indonesia has committed to removing restrictions on the export of certain critical minerals to the United States, provided this is accompanied by investment in domestic processing facilities. This economic synergy demonstrates that Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace is grounded in strong considerations for national prosperity that go beyond diplomatic rhetoric.
Implications for International Relations and Indonesia’s Regional Role
Indonesia’s entry into the Board of Peace carries complex geopolitical consequences at both the ASEAN regional level and in relations with other global powers. In Southeast Asia, this move distinguishes Indonesia from several neighbors that have chosen to remain passive or wait for further developments. Along with Vietnam, Indonesia serves as an ASEAN representative in the BoP, reinforcing the country’s profile as a bold regional leader on the global stage.
This leadership profile is essential for Indonesia to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. By building a very close relationship with the Trump administration, Indonesia has a direct communication channel to raise regional security issues, such as the South China Sea disputes, directly with the center of power in Washington. This provides additional bargaining power when dealing with China, ensuring that national interests remain protected amidst the competition between the two superpowers.
- China. Beijing remains cautious, emphasizing a UN-centered system. Potential friction if the BoP is viewed as a U.S. containment tool.
- ASEAN. Indonesia asserts its leadership as a bridge for global diplomacy. Perception of fragmentation among ASEAN members with differing stances.
- European Union. Divided stance (France rejecting, Hungary supporting) toward the BoP initiative. Decreased coordination with European partners still loyal to UN mechanisms.
- Islamic World. Appreciation for Indonesia’s role in safeguarding the Palestinian independence agenda. Heavy moral pressure if the BoP fails to stop violence in Gaza.
Relations with China represent the most sensitive variable. China has voiced a defense of the UN system and feels threatened by the emergence of new institutions outside its control. However, President Prabowo has demonstrated an ability to conduct a clever balancing diplomacy; he continues to visit Beijing and maintain strong economic cooperation with China while simultaneously signing a peace charter formed by the United States. This strategy reflects the maturity of Indonesian diplomacy, which refuses to be forced to choose between sides in hegemonic rivalries.
Risk Analysis: Sovereignty, Legitimacy, and Domestic Sentiment
While offering great opportunities, Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace carries several risks that cannot be ignored. International law experts and international relations analysts have raised concerns regarding crucial aspects that could harm Indonesia’s long-term interests if not managed carefully.
The first risk relates to legitimacy and sovereignty. The structure of the Board of Peace, which grants absolute veto power and control to the Chairman (Donald Trump), is viewed by some critics as a form of “UN privatization.” International law expert Hikmahanto Juwana highlighted that in the charter, the Chairman holds a position that appears to sit above the sovereignty of member states. There are fears that Indonesia could be trapped by unilateral U.S. policies that may conflict with national principles or international law in the future.
The second risk is the potential clash with the United Nations. Although the BoP received initial legitimacy from a UN Security Council resolution, there is a trend suggesting Trump wants to use the institution to replace or at least sideline the UN’s role in global conflict resolution. Indonesia, as a strong supporter of multilateralism, must be careful that its participation is not seen as an effort to weaken the UN, which is the only venue where the sovereignty of small and medium-sized nations has equal legal protection.
| Risk Category | Potential Impact Description | Relevant Source Analysis |
| Palestinian Legitimacy Deficit | Allegations that Indonesia legitimizes U.S. control over Gaza without adequate Palestinian involvement. | CSIS Indonesia, IR Academics |
| Political Dependence | Risk of being dragged into the “far-right” and transactional political agenda of the Trump administration. | Teuku Rezasyah, Law Experts |
| Future Financial Burden | Potential obligation to pay a USD 1 billion contribution to maintain a permanent seat after 3 years. | Draft BoP Charter |
| Domestic Muslim Sentiment | Public outcry if the BoP fails to protect Gaza civilians or tilts excessively toward Israel. | National Political Observers |
| Multilateral Conflict | Tension with countries that reject the BoP (e.g., France, China, Russia). | UN General Assembly Dynamics |
The third risk is domestic. The Palestinian issue is highly sensitive in Indonesia, with strong public support for Palestinian independence. If the Board of Peace is proven to fail in stopping Israeli violence or instead facilitates more permanent occupation through business projects proposed by Jared Kushner, President Prabowo could face heavy domestic political pressure from the Muslim community and civil society organizations. Therefore, Indonesian diplomacy within the BoP must be able to show concrete results that benefit the Palestinian people to maintain support at home.
The Future of Gaza Reconstruction: Between Humanity and Business Vision
One of the most unique and controversial aspects of the Board of Peace is the vision to transform the Gaza Strip into a “freedom zone” or a new business hub. In presentations delivered by U.S. officials in Davos, there were ambitious plans to restore vital infrastructure such as water, electricity, and sewage systems, but with a highly market-oriented approach. This vision involves rebuilding hospitals and bakeries but also imagines Gaza as a center for employment and prosperity for the Palestinian people under technocratic supervision.
For Indonesia, participation in this reconstruction process provides opportunities for the national private sector to be involved in international humanitarian and infrastructure projects. Indonesia has long experience in peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid that can be applied within the BoP framework. Furthermore, Indonesia’s involvement in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) can provide protection for aid personnel and ensure that the logistics distribution process runs fairly and reaches those most in need.
However, Indonesia must also be wary of disguised “ethnic cleansing” attempts or the forced displacement of Gaza residents under the guise of rebuilding. There have been reports of plans to relocate parts of the Gaza population to other areas, such as Libya, which is strongly opposed by the international community and international law. Within the Board of Peace, Indonesia’s role is to be a “moral guardian” ensuring that every reconstruction project respects the property rights of the Palestinian people and does not permanently alter the region’s demographics.
Final Evaluation of Prabowo’s Policy
President Prabowo Subianto’s move to join Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is a manifestation of bold and pragmatic Indonesian leadership in an era of global uncertainty. By choosing to be inside the decision-making circle, Indonesia not only secures economic interests through trade tariff agreements but also ensures that the aspirations of the Islamic world and developing nations remain heard in the resolution of the Middle East crisis.
The success of this policy will depend heavily on three main factors. First, the ability of Indonesian diplomats to maintain independence amidst U.S. dominance within the BoP structure. Second, the government’s ability to convert diplomatic proximity into tangible economic gains for the Indonesian people, particularly through increased investment and job creation in the mineral downstreaming sector. Third, the BoP’s success in creating a just and lasting peace in Gaza that is internationally recognized, including by the Palestinian people themselves.
Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace shows that the “Free and Active” foreign policy doctrine does not mean passive neutrality, but rather strategic engagement that is adaptive to changes in world power. By placing Indonesia at the forefront of international diplomacy led by the world’s largest economic power, President Prabowo has taken a courageous step to elevate the nation’s dignity and influence on the global stage, while remaining steadfast in the constitutional commitment to peace and social justice for all mankind.
