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What Indonesia stands to gain – or lose – from being on Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’
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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has called joining US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace initiative a "historic opportunity".
PHOTO: EPA
- Indonesia joined Trump's "Board of Peace" for Gaza, seeing it as "strategic, constructive and concrete" support for Palestinian independence despite unclear goals.
- Analysts suggest Indonesia's involvement is symbolic, driven by Prabowo's desire for prestige and potential trade deal leverage with the US, amid tariff threats.
- Concerns exist that the board may dilute focus on Gaza, lack a two-state solution commitment, and require a costly US$1 billion fee for permanent membership.
AI generated
JAKARTA – Indonesia’s decision to join US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative has thrust Jakarta into an unusual spotlight and also prompted a question: What, exactly, is it gaining?
Launched by Mr Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan 22, the board is meant to address the situation in Gaza, but the US leader has suggested it could be applied to other conflicts. Its purpose remains unclear.
