Jakarta. Indonesia said Thursday that the "temporary" Board of Peace led by US President Donald Trump does not charge membership fees amidst reports of countries having to pay $1 billion if they want a permanent spot at the global club.

Indonesia has officially joined the peace board that would focus on reconstructing Gaza. Aside from why Indonesia decided to join the group that also includes Israel, questions arise whether Jakarta has agreed to pay the $1 billion price tag. Media reports citing a draft charter of its establishment wrote that the board had called for countries to contribute $1 billion in cash if they seek a membership that lasts longer than 3 years. The money will reportedly go into funding the Gaza reconstruction.

Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Vahd Nabyl A Mulachela described the Board of Peace as a “temporary mechanism” and a “transitional administration”. His statement alluded that Jakarta does not intend to stay in the group for a lifetime.

“There has not been any talks of payment so far. Membership does not require payment, especially if it is not for a permanent membership,” Nabyl told a press briefing, responding to the Jakarta Globe’s question on the $1 billion buy-in.

The Globe asked the reason behind Jakarta's decision to take part in the board despite Israel having accepted Trump’s membership offer. Nabyl said: “We want to stop violence, protect the civilians, and expand humanitarian aid access for the Palestinians in Gaza. We also view this board as a temporary mechanism that aims to cease violence and safeguard the civilians.” 

He went on to say how Jakarta’s membership aims to back 2803 UN Security Council Resolution adopted last year. The resolution in question sees the council “welcoming the establishment” of the board, which will not only set the framework, but also coordinate the funding for Gaza redevelopment. 

Later that day, Trump unveiled members of the peace board in the Davos forum. President Prabowo Subianto, his Argentinian counterpart Javier Milei, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, among others, joined Trump on stage. 

“Everyone of them is a friend of mine. … This group, I like every single one of them,” Trump said.

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