Francesca Albanese urges Indonesia to quit Trump’s Gaza Peace Board
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Jakarta: United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has urged Indonesia to withdraw from US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, warning that participation in a mechanism dominated by the United States and Israel, with no Palestinian representation, could undermine Jakarta’s longstanding support for Palestinian independence, a report by Reuters said.
Albanese raised concerns that the initiative, intended to oversee temporary governance in Gaza, excludes Palestinians from decisions shaping their own future. She argued that allowing Israel to dictate the terms would risk legitimising its occupation and compromise Indonesia’s close ties with the Palestinian people.
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, had agreed to contribute troops to an international stabilisation force planned for Gaza under the initiative. The commitment has drawn criticism because of the country’s historical backing for Palestinian self-determination.
Albanese called on Jakarta to reconsider its involvement and instead work with the Hague Group, which includes South Africa and Malaysia and seeks to uphold international law and accountability over Israel’s actions.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry said discussions concerning the Board of Peace were currently on hold. President Prabowo Subianto’s office has also indicated that the country could withdraw if the initiative fails to benefit Palestinians.
The controversy comes as Trump’s Gaza peace plan faces serious setbacks. Although a ceasefire agreement secured the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners and detainees, efforts to disarm Hamas and secure an Israeli military withdrawal have stalled. Israeli attacks in Gaza have continued, further undermining prospects for lasting peace.
Israel continues to reject allegations of genocide made by a United Nations commission and human rights organisations over its military campaign in Gaza. Albanese’s intervention adds pressure on Indonesia to reconsider whether its participation in the US-led initiative serves Palestinian interests or risks legitimising arrangements imposed without Palestinian consent.