Indonesia Says It Will Leave Trump Peace Board If Palestinians Are Ignored

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has announced that the country will withdraw from U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace if the initiative fails to benefit Palestinians, according to a government statement released on March 6, 2026. The declaration comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the recent Iran war, which has raised doubts about Indonesia's involvement in the international body aimed at stabilizing Gaza. Prabowo's stance reflects domestic pressures from Islamic groups critical of the partnership, emphasizing alignment with Palestinian interests and national priorities.

The statement followed a meeting between Prabowo and representatives from Indonesian Muslim organizations, including the Islamic Brotherhood Front. Hanif Alatas, a key figure from the group, quoted the president as saying he would exit the board if it no longer serves Palestine or contradicts Indonesia's interests. This reassurance addresses concerns over Indonesia's commitment to contribute up to 8,000 troops to a multinational stabilization force in Gaza, a move seen as a bridge between moderate Muslim nations and Western-led peace efforts despite Jakarta's lack of diplomatic ties with Israel.

The Board of Peace, established by Trump in February 2026, seeks to oversee post-conflict reconstruction and security in Gaza, involving multiple nations in diplomatic and military roles. U.S. officials have acknowledged that ongoing regional conflicts, including those with Iran, could delay or complicate the deployment of stabilization forces. Indonesia's participation was initially hailed as a symbol of broader Muslim world engagement, but the Iran escalation has intensified scrutiny and calls for de-escalation from Indonesian civil society.

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Domestic reactions have been mixed, with Muslim groups praising Prabowo's conditional approach as a safeguard for Palestinian rights, while critics argue it risks undermining international cooperation. The president's decision underscores Indonesia's longstanding support for Palestinian independence, as the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, and highlights the challenges of balancing global alliances with internal sentiments amid volatile geopolitics.

On the U.S. side, a senior official noted that Middle East tensions might impact force deployments but expressed hope for continued collaboration. The board's first meeting in Washington last month left several Gaza-related questions unresolved, adding to uncertainties.

As the situation evolves, Prabowo's ultimatum signals potential shifts in the board's composition and effectiveness. With no immediate resolution to the West Asia crisis, Indonesia's role remains pivotal, potentially influencing other nations' commitments to Trump's peace framework.

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