Indonesia’s Membership in Trump's Gaza Peace Board Could Cut Defense Budget by 9%
Jakarta. Indonesia’s planned $1 billion contribution to the Board of Peace for Gaza, an international initiative initiated by US President Donald Trump, will be funded through the Defense Ministry’s budget, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said on Tuesday.
“The funds will be taken through the Defense Ministry,” Purbaya told reporters in Jakarta. “If the allocation is insufficient, we will reorient spending. What matters is that we maintain prudent fiscal management.”
The contribution would reduce the Defense Ministry’s budget by about 9% from its total allocation of Rp 187.1 trillion ($11.1 billion) this year. The ministry’s budget is used to pay salaries for civilian staff and military personnel, as well as to strengthen Indonesia’s weapons systems and defense capabilities.
President Prabowo Subianto confirmed Indonesia’s participation in the board following meetings with Trump and other heads of state on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos late last month.
The Board of Peace for Gaza was formed as a multilateral platform aimed at facilitating post-conflict stabilization, humanitarian coordination, and longer-term reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The initiative brings together a small group of participating countries and leaders, with a stated goal of promoting ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian access, and political dialogue amid the prolonged conflict in the Palestinian territory.
According to Indonesian officials, the proposed $1 billion contribution would secure Indonesia’s membership in the board for a three-year period, effectively making it a permanent member during that term.
However, Foreign Minister Sugiono said separately that board members are not formally obligated to pay mandatory membership fees.
“There is no obligation for member states to pay a contribution,” Sugiono said without clarifying whether Indonesia would ultimately provide financial support.
On the same day, Prabowo met with Muslim leaders in Jakarta to explain the government’s decision to join the peace board. The move has drawn domestic criticism, with opponents arguing that the initiative risks aligning Indonesia too closely with US and Israeli interests and failing to adequately represent the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Indonesia Says Palestine is ‘A Test of Conscience’
Indonesia says Palestine is a test of the world's conscience in a speech that avoids directly naming Israel.UN Stage A Test for Indonesia’s Pro-Palestine Stance
Indonesia's UN speech will test how far Jakarta will go to support Palestinians, especially after its Board of Peace (BoP) entry.Trump Thanks Indonesia for Gaza Troops
Indonesia has not only committed troops to the ISF, but is in its upper management.Suahasil Inherits Fiscal Credibility Test as Investor Confidence Wavers
Suahasil Nazara faces pressure to restore fiscal credibility as investors seek consistent policies, clearer signals and market confidence.Indonesia’s Tax Chief Flags Irregularities in Purbaya’s Staff Reshuffle
Indonesia’s tax chief flags irregularities in Purbaya’s staff reshuffle over merit-based appointments.Our Defense Spending Still Way Smaller Than Singapore: Prabowo
Prabowo says Indonesia's military spending is among the smallest in ASEAN, and a small fraction compared to the neighboring Singapore.US Investors Not Worried by Indonesia’s Finance Minister Switch
US-ASEAN Business Council says that American investors are more concerned about the policy changes rather than who is helming the ministry.Suahasil’s Return Puts Fiscal Discipline at Center of Prabowo’s Economic Policy
Suahasil Nazara takes over as finance minister, with policy consistency and fiscal discipline emerging as key challenges.Suahasil Told to Avoid Business Cost Hikes, Tax Refund Delays
Businesses have laid out their wishlist for the newly appointed Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara.Purbaya Admits Sudden Exit ‘Partly’ due to Internal Shuffling
Ex-Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa speaks up on his sudden dismissal.The Latest
Chandra Asri Group Receives Trade Finance Excellence Award, Reinforcing Its Role in Indonesia’s Industrial Development
Chandra Asri Group receives the Trade Finance Excellence Award at CIMB Niaga Business Summit 2026.AEON MALL Deltamas Brings 11 Sports and Creative Competitions to AEONLYMPIC 2026
AEON MALL Deltamas hosts AEONLYMPIC 2026, featuring 11 sports and creative competitions, with more than 3,100 participants.Indonesian Stocks Extend Losses for Third Day, Fall 3.64% to 4,996
Indonesian stocks fell 3.64% on Monday, extending losses for a third straight session amid MSCI concerns and tighter trading limits.Prabowo Calls Meeting on Forest Fires as Haze Reaches Jakarta, Singapore
Prabowo summons senior officials to discuss forest fires as smoke reaches Jakarta and Malaysia pushes for regional action.Jakarta Outranks Amsterdam in Global Public Transport Survey
Jakarta climbs two places to 15th in Time Out's 2026 public transport survey, with its governor citing better network integration.Most Popular
