Prabowo Rejects $1B Peace Board Fee: Indonesia Focuses on Peacekeeping

Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed that Indonesia will not contribute a $1 billion fee to the United States-backed Board of Peace, clarifying Jakarta’s position after earlier statements from government officials suggested potential financial commitments. The clarification, delivered through statements on his official YouTube channel and reported by local media, comes amid domestic scrutiny over the potential impact on the national budget.

“There are two types of membership – if you want to become a permanent or premium member, you are asked to contribute $1 billion. But I never said we were willing to pay $1 billion,” Prabowo stated, according to reports from Indonesia’s government communication agency. His comments directly address concerns raised following remarks by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa in February, who indicated the contribution could potentially be sourced from the defense ministry’s budget.

The Board of Peace, initiated after the Trump administration brokered a ceasefire in Gaza with the assistance of Qatar and Egypt in October 2025, has drawn criticism for its funding structure, with some observers suggesting it could become a “pay-to-play” alternative to the UN Security Council. Countries seeking permanent membership are required to contribute the $1 billion fee.

President Subianto emphasized that Indonesia’s contribution will be focused on peacekeeping support. “They said there are two types of membership – if you want to become a permanent or premium member, you are asked to contribute US$1 billion. But I never said we were willing to pay US$1 billion,” he reiterated. Jakarta had only committed peacekeeping troops for the initiative, he stated.

Foreign Minister Sugiono further clarified that the $1 billion figure was not a mandatory membership requirement, reinforcing the notion that participation in the Board of Peace is not contingent upon a financial contribution. Indonesia did not participate in a donor meeting held in Washington on February 19, where other nations collectively pledged $17 billion for Gaza reconstruction.

Prabowo underscored Indonesia’s commitment to providing assistance through non-financial means, including the deployment of peacekeeping forces and humanitarian aid delivered through organizations like Baznas, as well as the construction of facilities such as hospitals in Palestine. “Since the beginning when we were invited to join, I have said that we have never committed financially at all,” he said.

The clarification from President Subianto follows a period of domestic controversy, with Indonesian Muslim groups voicing concerns over the country’s involvement in the Board of Peace and the planned deployment of 8,000 peacekeeping troops to Gaza. Channel News Asia reported that Prabowo’s statements are aimed at alleviating public anxieties regarding potential strains on the state budget.

The structure of the Board of Peace includes a draft charter that suggests substantial contributions could secure permanent membership, adding another layer to the debate surrounding the initiative’s financial requirements and potential influence.