The decision by President Prabowo Subianto to sign the Board of Peace (BoP) Charter on January 22, 2026, in Davos, Switzerland, has ignited a wave of diplomatic discourse across the nation.
While the pursuit of global peace is a noble constitutional mandate, the lack of transparency regarding Indonesia’s role in this Trump-initiated body raises fundamental questions. The current debate is not about rejecting peace, but about the strategic costs and the potential sacrifice of Indonesia’s long-standing foreign policy principles.
Through his personal Instagram account, senior diplomat Dino Patti Djalal highlighted several "yellow lights" that have become the focal point of policy analysis. The BoP charter reportedly lacks any specific reference to Palestinian statehood or the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This omission is particularly striking given that the initiative was originally presented as a strategic framework for regional stability.
A Costly Membership: Strategic and Financial Questions
One of the most debated aspects involves the financial commitment to the organization. Foreign Minister Sugiono clarified on January 27, 2026, that there is no mandatory fee for Indonesia to join; invited nations are entitled to a three-year membership at no cost.
However, Indonesia’s reported intent to provide a voluntary contribution of USD 1 billion remains under intense scrutiny.
This staggering amount is equivalent to twice the annual budget of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 2026. Analysts note that such a voluntary contribution significantly dwarfs Indonesia’s annual commitments to regional bodies like ASEAN.
While the government maintains these funds are for Gaza's reconstruction, the scale of the pledge has led to demands for extreme transparency. Public skepticism remains high regarding whether this commitment truly serves national interests or merely "purchases" a seat at an exclusive diplomatic table.
The Trump-Netanyahu Axis and the Silence on Gaza
The structural integrity of the Board of Peace is another point of contention, as the organization operates under the indefinite control of Donald Trump.
According to its charter, all decisions and agendas must be approved by the Chairman, creating a hierarchy that critics fear undermines the principle of sovereign equality. The active participation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu further complicates Indonesia’s standing within the group.
During the BoP inauguration in Davos, observers noted a glaring lack of empathy toward the victims in Gaza. The official narrative focused heavily on the leadership of Donald Trump rather than addressing a humanitarian crisis that the United Nations has categorized in grave terms.
The absence of the word "freedom" regarding the Palestinian people suggests a shift toward business-centric solutions rather than genuine political independence.
Security Risks: Peacekeepers or Property Guards?
Indonesia’s potential involvement in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) within Gaza poses a significant risk to the military’s international reputation.
Such a role could potentially contradict the core mission of the Indonesian state as enshrined in the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution, which mandates the country to "participate toward the establishment of a world order based on freedom, perpetual peace, and social justice."
There is a legitimate fear that Indonesian troops could be utilized to secure commercial reconstruction projects rather than performing traditional peacekeeping duties.
The "New Gaza" vision presented at Davos appeared more focused on futuristic real estate development than on socio-political recovery. Indonesia faces the challenge of ensuring its participation does not inadvertently support the marginalization of Palestinian aspirations in favor of commercial interests.
The People’s Mandate: Maintaining the Free and Active Doctrine
Ultimately, Indonesia’s foreign policy is a reflection of the nation’s collective conscience and its constitutional mandate. The "Free and Active" doctrine dictates that Indonesia must not become an instrument for any global power, especially concerning Palestinian independence.
If the Board of Peace fails to demonstrate a clear commitment to a two-state solution, the pressure for Indonesia to re-evaluate its membership will likely intensify.
Diplomatic credibility is built on moral consistency and the ability to navigate global alliances without losing national identity. The Indonesian public expects its leaders to remain faithful to the 1945 Constitution, which calls for the abolition of colonialism as it is "incompatible with humanity and justice."
The primary challenge remains balancing global influence with the unwavering integrity of its foreign policy principles.
