Indonesia officially announced its entry into the Gaza Peace Council at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos on January 22. The Gaza Peace Council is a Trump-backed initiative that, according to RRI, aims to safeguard a multilateral, humanitarian effort to reconstruct Gaza, RRI reports.

With the country’s seemingly ironic participation, a question arises: Was this the plan all along? Indonesia has been known to be a united front when it comes to supporting the liberation of occupied Palestine from the Israeli regime. But under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, Indonesia insists on not taking sides. Joining the Gaze Peace Council becomes a safe option.

What’s at stake

On the surface, the decision made sense. Indonesia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, cannot remain outside of the council as they took a vigilant stance on Palestinian issues. With political, security, and domestic stakes riding on the liberation issue, what’s left is the option to join. These countries have a strategic pattern, and it’s involving currying favour with Trump.

The general assumption is that the peace council was meant to ensure Gaza’s peace. But the board’s role kicks in with two bodies' mediation: the Gaza Executive Board and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). The Gaza Executive Board has eleven members that Trump appointed, including Israel, but no Palestinian representatives. The NCAG, on the other hand, is a body made up of selected Palestinians with Arab and US partners, with the aim of Gaza’s rehabilitation and governance, returning the Palestinian Authority to Gaza.

During a meeting in Davos, Ali Shaath, NCAG’s High Representative, also stresses the Trump peace plan, indicating the Rafah crossing will be opened and the committed entry of humanitarian aid only after the return of the last hostage at Israel’s request. The next phase of the plan will include the deployment of the International Stabilisation Force and disarmament of Hamas, which many believe will defeat the purpose of the Palestinian liberation mission.

The advocates for the Gaza ceasefire, namely Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, have now joined the same board, which continues to delude the peace effort.

Self-funded move is a statement

Following Indonesia’s decision to join the council, Minister of Defence, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the country participates under a self-funded scheme. Sjamsoeddin said that it reflects Indonesia’s commitment to be a part of the international peace efforts independently, RRI reports.

The self-funded scheme will see the Indonesian Military (TNI) optimising its troops for the Peace Council mission. So far, the TNI commander has already presented one brigade as part of the preparation plan, followed by the plan to deploy one battalion.

A representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lent her insight on the matter: “Indonesia's decision to join Trump’s so-called peace council is the country’s way to be involved directly in the discussion about Palestine’s future. From the government’s perspective, our position remains clear: We support a two-state solution and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, with its people’s rights fully protected.” The source, who prefers to remain anonymous, added that the reason to join for Indonesia is so it can have a seat at the table and encourage a more balanced approach.

However, at the same time, the fact that the initiative is driven by the US leads to wide public disagreement and criticism, she noted.

Novaya Siantita, an Indonesian journalist, commented on the decision: “In my view, it feels like a move driven more by the need for validation than a genuine push for peace. Indonesia’s participation looks less like moral leadership and more like an attempt to appear active and relevant on the global stage, to get recognition for “doing something,” rather than actually changing anything.”

Presence without power

Despite painting the image of “peace for all”, Indonesian President Prabowo continues to receive backlash. A video showing the President stating that the suffering of Gazan people has significantly decreased is widely circulated. despite some reports still showing Israel’s continuous bombing. Tempo reports that this was a statement made in line with the country’s joining the Peace Council, signalling their national agenda.

“If people say this is purely for 'national interest’, then which nation are we talking about, because ordinary citizens don’t seem to gain anything from it. Without real influence over decisions or the agenda, joining this forum is just a presence without power. I think taking a risky political stance just to look strong internationally comes off as insecurity, paid for with public resources,” Novaya added.

Novaya continued to say what many Indonesians are expressing online: “Our tax money is distributed for a make-believe programme, with no certainties, led by a problematic leader. At a time when Indonesia has many urgent domestic needs, putting public money into something this unclear feels irresponsible. In the end, it risks becoming costly symbolism with no real benefit for peace, not for Gazans, and certainly not for Indonesians.”