Prabowo Subianto Attends Trump’s Board of Peace Summit, Signs Tariff Deal

Washington, D.C. – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto participated in the inaugural Board of Peace (BoP) Summit hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the U.S. Institute of Peace. The summit convened leaders from over 20 nations to discuss global peace initiatives, with a particular focus on a reconstruction plan for Gaza and the formation of a Board of Peace-led International Stabilisation Force .

Indonesia’s Role and Domestic Criticism

President Subianto’s attendance at the summit has drawn significant scrutiny within Indonesia. Critics have questioned the decision-making process, citing a lack of public and parliamentary consultation and concerns that the initiative primarily serves U.S. And Israeli interests . Prior to the summit, Prabowo met with former ministers, deputy foreign ministers, and senior diplomats at the Merdeka presidential palace in Jakarta to discuss the situation .

Tariff Agreement with the United States

In addition to participating in the Board of Peace Summit, President Subianto signed a trade tariff agreement, officially termed an agreement on reciprocal trade (ART), with the United States . State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi indicated that the agreement aims to reduce import tariffs for Indonesian goods to the U.S., potentially lowering them from 19 percent . Prasetyo highlighted the positive relationship between Prabowo and Trump as a facilitating factor in securing the agreement .

Summit Details and Key Speakers

President Subianto arrived at Andrews Air Force Base on February 17, 2026, and was scheduled to deliver remarks as the fourth speaker at the summit, following King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev . Other scheduled speakers included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Chief Commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza Ali Shaath, and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga . The summit began with a formal photo session at 8:40 a.m. Local time, preceded by the clearing of surrounding roads an hour prior .

Focus on Gaza Reconstruction and Stabilization

The Board of Peace is expected to announce a reconstruction plan for Gaza, alongside plans for a Board of Peace-led International Stabilisation Force . The meeting took place with the conspicuous absence of traditional Western allies of the United States .