Former Foreign Minister Opens Details of 3-Hour Meeting with Prabowo: Peace Board Fund Not Yet Decided, RI Holds Exit Option

JAKARTA - Former Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said that the meeting of about three hours with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, opened the veil of issues that had long been causing a fuss in the public, namely Indonesia's participation in the Board of Peace for Gaza, while the information circulating was considered incomplete.

Hassan emphasized that many diplomatic affairs are confidential. As a result, the public often forms perceptions from pieces of news in the mass media, especially social media. "Because of this ... we get enlightenment and a lot of information that we don't know," he said.

According to Hassan, Indonesia joined after two rounds of consultations with Muslim-majority countries, namely the first at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York late last year, then close consultations with seven other countries before the decision was made. He assessed that the eight countries were important as a counterweight in the Board of Peace, amid concerns that Donald Trump could play an "uncontrollable" "extraordinary" role.

Regarding the controversy over funds, Hassan emphasized one thing that it has not been decided when Indonesia will contribute. However, if the contribution is made, he assesses that the form must be a real aid for the Palestinian people in Gaza. He also responded to criticism because this process does not involve the UN. Hassan reminded, in history, many conflict resolutions have actually occurred outside the UN framework during the production.

Hassan said the Board of Peace process is still in its early stages so the public is asked not to rush to judge if it is based only on partial information. Indonesia, he said, remains sovereign to decide whether to continue or stop, depending on whether the process goes according to the intention to help the Palestinians. He added, the initiative towards the Board of Peace is said to have made the war that has lasted more than two years "temporary, this can be stopped", aid began to flow, the Rafah post was opened, and at least reduced the suffering in Gaza - a conflict that he said had killed 71 thousand people.

Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab emphasized that the President stated that Indonesia had never abandoned its commitment to Palestine and remained committed to the two-state solution which he called "the price of death". He also quoted the President's emphasis that Indonesia could leave if the Board of Peace was not in line with the nation's ideals.

Meanwhile, Jusuf Wanandi, founder and member of the CSIS Board of Trustees who also attended the meeting, considered President Prabowo's explanation important so that the public understands the government's decision, because this issue is "strange" and cannot be conveyed casually.