Indonesia’s Involvement in the Board of Peace: Domestic Reactions and Geopolitical Implications

Indonesia’s decision to join the Board of Peace (BoP), an international body established under U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative, has sparked significant domestic debate. The move, formalized through United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, has drawn scrutiny from both religious leaders and civil society, highlighting the complex interplay between foreign policy and domestic legitimacy.

Formation and Mandate of the Board of Peace

The BoP was created to oversee the Gaza peace process and manage reconstruction funds through the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Indonesia, under President Prabowo Subianto, signed the BoP charter in January 2026, aligning with countries like Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. However, major Western nations, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and France, declined membership, citing concerns over the BoP’s potential sidelining of the United Nations.

Domestic Backlash and Religious Organization Involvement

Following Prabowo’s signature, Indonesia’s Islamic community swiftly divided into competing factions, with the Palestinian issue serving as a focal point. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and other Islamic organizations faced internal dissent, with figures like MUI’s Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim expressing skepticism about the BoP’s leadership. A March 2026 policy report from the School of International Studies (RSIS) indicated that 14.6% of informed respondents viewed the BoP as an American-Israeli instrument to control Gaza.

Religious organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, with vast memberships, played a pivotal role in managing public sentiment. Their endorsement of the BoP, albeit conditional, was framed as a means to exert influence over the peace process. However, critics like Din Syamsuddin of Muhammadiyah labeled the BoP as “neo-colonialism” and called for Indonesia’s withdrawal.

Government Strategy and FBO Dynamics