Indonesia Reconsiders Role in Trump’s Board of Peace Amidst Middle East Escalation

Jakarta – Indonesia is reevaluating its participation in the Board of Peace (BoP) initiative launched by former U.S. President Donald Trump, with a preference for operating under United Nations (UN) peacekeeping regulations. This shift comes as Indonesia postpones sending 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of the BoP’s International Stabilization Force (ISF), citing escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Shift Towards UN Framework

Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) has advocated for Indonesia to pursue peace missions through the UN, emphasizing the established framework and legal safeguards it provides. “If you send peacekeeping troops, there is always an umbrella, rules. All this time we have been under a UN decree,” JK stated according to Tempo.co. He questioned the regulations governing the BoP, noting Indonesia’s 50-year history of successful peacekeeping operations under UN auspices.

JK also highlighted the financial implications, pointing out that UN-led peacekeeping missions are typically funded by the organization itself.

Postponement of Troop Deployment

President Prabowo Subianto announced the postponement of the planned deployment of Indonesian troops to Gaza, a decision linked to Indonesia’s suspension of discussions regarding the BoP. This move followed the increasing tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. A statement from the Indonesian Government Communications Agency (Bakom) confirmed the suspension of all BoP-related discussions due to the escalating conflict as reported by Tempo.co.

Mediation Efforts

Despite the postponement, President Prabowo has offered to act as a mediator in the conflict, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue. “My advice is always to look for peaceful options,” Prabowo stated in a Bakom release.

BoP Concerns and Potential Exit

JK has previously expressed reservations about the BoP’s credibility, particularly following the U.S. Attacks on Iran shortly after the initiative’s signing. He questioned whether the initiative truly prioritized peace, referring to it as potentially a “Board of War” rather than a “Board of Peace” as reported by Tempo.co. He also suggested that President Prabowo had indicated a willingness to withdraw Indonesia from the BoP if it no longer aligned with the country’s objectives.

Despite potential concerns, JK indicated that leaving the BoP would not necessarily result in significant consequences for Indonesia, noting that the U.S. Supreme Court has limited reciprocal tariffs to a maximum of 15 percent according to Tempo.co.

Trump’s History of Controversial Rhetoric

The BoP was established under the backdrop of controversial rhetoric and policies from former U.S. President Donald Trump. A UN-backed panel has condemned Trump’s hate speech and immigration policies, citing “grave human rights violations” as reported by the Associated Press.

Indonesia’s evolving stance reflects a cautious approach to international peace initiatives, prioritizing established frameworks like the UN and emphasizing the importance of genuine diplomatic efforts.