January 24, 2026 | 11:30 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Chairperson of House Commission I, Sukamta, has responded to Prabowo’s decision for Indonesia to join the Gaza Board of Peace initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump. While he viewed the move as understandable from a moral standpoint, he emphasized the need for high political vigilance.
"Indonesia's presence is crucial to ensure that the post-war phase in Gaza is not entirely determined by major powers and unilateral interests," Sukamta told Tempo on January 23, 2026.
Sukamta stated that Indonesia carries a moral and historical mandate to ensure the voice of justice remains alive throughout the Palestinian peace process. Nevertheless, he cautioned that the Gaza Peace Council initiative exists outside the official mechanisms of the United Nations (UN).
The lawmaker from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) faction believes this situation has the potential to shift the principles of multilateralism and reduce the Palestinian issue to a mere security stabilization project. "Peace cannot be reduced to the mere absence of conflict while the root problems of occupation and violations of international law are disregarded; this is a significant risk that must be anticipated," he asserted.
Consequently, Sukamta emphasized that Indonesia’s participation must be active, critical, and conditional. He argued that Indonesia needs to consistently advocate for the cessation of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, full protection for Gazan civilians, and the fair reconstruction of Gaza without whitewashing or legitimizing violations of international humanitarian law.
"Indonesia must position itself as a guardian of global conscience; the peace offered should not bury justice or erase accountability for humanitarian crimes," stated the legislative member representing Yogyakarta.
According to Sukamta, Indonesia’s consistent free and active foreign policy must remain grounded in its constitutional mandate. "True peace for Palestine will only be achieved when justice is upheld, and the rights of the Palestinian people are fully and sustainably restored," he added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Indonesia's involvement in the Gaza Board of Peace, formed by U.S. President Donald Trump, through its official social media accounts. The Gaza Peace Council aims to support stability in Palestine.
In a joint statement, Foreign Minister Sugiono and the foreign ministers of seven other nations agreed to join the council. The other countries that have already committed are Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Ervana Trikarinaputri and Dewi Rina Cahyani contributed to this article.
Read: Indonesia Joins the Gaza Board of Peace: Key Facts
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