Washington D.C. – A nuanced debate is unfolding over Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent appearance at the Board of Peace (BoP) Conference in Washington, D.C., with a former high-ranking diplomat expressing regret that the President did not more explicitly address the long-standing issue of Palestinian statehood. The discussion highlights the complexities of navigating international diplomacy and balancing Indonesia’s historical commitment to the two-state solution with the dynamics of a sensitive geopolitical landscape. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of key international actors like Indonesia in advocating for Palestinian independence.
Dino Patti Djalal, who served as Indonesia’s deputy foreign minister, publicly voiced his disappointment that President Prabowo’s remarks at the BoP conference, held on February 19, 2026, did not include a direct mention of the two-state solution or Palestinian independence. Djalal shared his concerns in a video posted to his Instagram account @dinopattidjalal on Saturday, February 21, 2026, stating he allowed media to quote his remarks. The Board of Peace Conference, convened by U.S. President Donald Trump, brought together leaders from across the globe to discuss strategies for fostering peace and stability. Several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and Morocco, used the platform to advocate for a two-state solution, according to Djalal.
Indonesia’s Historical Position on Palestine
Djalal emphasized that the two-state solution has been a cornerstone of Indonesia’s foreign policy regarding the Palestinian issue for decades. He argued that President Trump, given his role in the conference, needed to directly hear Indonesia’s position articulated by Prabowo himself. “The message is that Indonesia’s membership in the Board of Peace should be dedicated to achieving Palestinian independence,” Djalal, who also chairs and founded the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia, explained. This commitment reflects Indonesia’s broader stance on international justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people.
Prior to the conference, Djalal noted that both Islamic organizations and foreign policy groups had urged President Prabowo to prioritize the two-state solution in his address. These discussions at the State Palace underscored the importance placed on Indonesia’s role as a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights on the international stage. The expectation was that Indonesia would leverage its membership in the Board of Peace to actively promote a resolution that ensures a viable Palestinian state.
Limited Speaking Time and Subsequent Clarification
While expressing his regret, Djalal acknowledged the possibility that President Prabowo may have omitted explicit references to the two-state solution due to constraints on speaking time. Though, he stressed the importance of consistently reaffirming Indonesia’s support for both the two-state solution and Palestinian independence in all relevant forums, particularly within the Board of Peace. “We do not want the Board of Peace to be misused as a platform to silence Palestinian aspirations, as the possibility of that is quite high,” Djalal cautioned.
It’s worth noting that President Prabowo did address the issue of Palestine during a press conference following his speech at the BoP conference. He stated that conditions in the Gaza Strip had improved compared to previous years, with residents receiving adequate basic necessities. He also reiterated Indonesia’s long-held view that a two-state solution remains the only viable path toward a lasting resolution to the conflict. Prabowo’s address at the conference also focused on broader themes of peace and the vision outlined in the Board of Peace Charter, and included a commitment to deploy 8,000 Indonesian troops to Gaza to support ceasefire efforts.
Indonesia’s Troop Deployment to Gaza
Indonesia’s plan to deploy 8,000 troops to Gaza, as highlighted by President Prabowo, represents a significant commitment to supporting peace and stability in the region. This deployment is intended to contribute to maintaining a ceasefire and providing humanitarian assistance to the population. The move underscores Indonesia’s willingness to actively engage in conflict resolution and provide practical support to those affected by the ongoing crisis. The timing and specifics of the deployment are likely to be coordinated with international partners and relevant authorities in Gaza.
The debate surrounding President Prabowo’s remarks at the Board of Peace Conference reflects the delicate balance Indonesia seeks to maintain in its foreign policy. While committed to advocating for Palestinian rights, Indonesia also aims to foster constructive relationships with all parties involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in international diplomacy and the importance of clear and consistent messaging on critical issues like the two-state solution.
Looking ahead, Indonesia is expected to continue its active engagement in international forums dedicated to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The next key opportunity for Indonesia to reiterate its position will likely be at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session, where the issue of Palestine is consistently on the agenda. Further details regarding the deployment of Indonesian troops to Gaza are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, outlining the specific roles and responsibilities of the contingent.
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