Prabowo’s $1 Billion “Board of Peace” Gamble Sparks Domestic Backlash

JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto’s recent decision to sign Indonesia onto the U.S.-backed Board of Peace (BoP) in Davos has ignited a firestorm of criticism at home. While the administration frames the move as a “historic diplomatic masterstroke,” a growing chorus of citizens, activists, and religious organizations are calling it a betrayal of Indonesia’s long-standing foreign policy.

The “Gaza Without Palestinians” Controversy

The sharpest criticism stems from the BoP’s organizational structure. Although the board is tasked with the reconstruction and administration of Gaza, reports indicate that Israel holds a seat while Palestine’s status remains subordinate or excluded from core decision-making.

“It is a logical fallacy,” says one Jakarta-based geopolitical analyst. “How can you build a future for Gaza while the occupier sits at the head of the table and the occupied is left at the door? This isn’t a peace board; it’s a management committee for a territory under duress.”

Social media sentiment has turned sharply negative, with many Indonesians questioning if the BoP serves to secure Palestinian independence or merely provides a humanitarian “cover” for Israeli interests.

$1 Billion: A Price Too High?

The “entry fee” for Indonesia to join as a permanent member—a staggering US$1 billion (approx. Rp 16.7 trillion)—has caused public outrage. Critics argue that the funds are being diverted from pressing domestic needs.

• Financial Transparency: Opposition lawmakers have questioned the legality of the payment, noting it was not explicitly debated in the original 2025/2026 state budget.
• The “Trump Factor”: Since the BoP is a brainchild of the Donald Trump administration, many fear that Indonesia is paying a premium to join a framework designed to bypass the United Nations and favor the U.S. geopolitical agenda.

A Departure from “Free and Active” Policy?

For decades, Indonesia has maintained a “Free and Active” foreign policy, refusing to normalize ties with Israel until a sovereign Palestinian state is established. Critics argue that by sitting on a board alongside Israel, Prabowo is practicing “de facto normalization” under the guise of humanitarianism.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and Muhammadiyah have voiced concerns that the BoP might be a tool to dismantle UNRWA (the UN agency for Palestinian refugees), further weakening the international legal standing of the Palestinian cause.

The Government’s Defense

In the face of mounting “garbage” labels on social media, the Presidential Palace remains firm. A spokesperson stated that “Indonesia must be inside the room to influence the outcome. If we stay outside, we are just spectators. By joining the BoP, Indonesia ensures that the voices of the Muslim world are heard during the reconstruction of Gaza.”