Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has firmly denied committing to a $1 billion fee for permanent membership in former U.S. President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace,' clarifying that Jakarta's involvement is limited to providing peacekeeping troops. The announcement, made via the presidential YouTube channel on March 22, 2026, comes amid domestic criticism over Indonesia's participation in the initiative.
The 'Board of Peace' emerged following a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire in October 2025, with membership fees sparking accusations of creating a 'pay-to-play' alternative to the UN Security Council. Prabowo, who attended the board's inaugural meeting in Washington last month, emphasized that Indonesia's contributions would remain non-financial. 'We never agreed to pay $1 billion,' he stated, adding that Jakarta reserves the right to withdraw if the board fails to align with Palestinian interests or national priorities.
Criticism has intensified from Indonesian Muslim groups regarding the pledged deployment of 8,000 peacekeepers to Gaza. Meanwhile, talks with Washington about the proposed mission are currently on hold, according to Foreign Ministry statements.
The controversy highlights growing scrutiny of international peacekeeping frameworks in 2026, particularly as nations weigh financial commitments against geopolitical returns. Prabowo's remarks underscore Indonesia's strategic balancing act between global diplomacy and domestic political pressures.
