JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Amnesty International Indonesia criticized the Indonesian government’s response to public concerns over its decision to join the Board of Peace (BoP), a body reportedly initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel has also joined.

Responding to a statement from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu RI), Amnesty International Indonesia Deputy Director Wirya Adiwena said the ministry had failed to address fears that Indonesia’s participation in the BoP could legitimize alleged genocide and other serious violations committed by Israel in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

“Civil society’s criticism centers on concerns that Indonesia may legitimize Israel’s alleged genocide by joining and even cooperating with Israel within the Board of Peace,” Wirya said.

“The Foreign Ministry’s statement has not answered the concerns of the Indonesian public.”

He emphasized that Indonesia has obligations under international law to seek accountability for alleged genocide, illegal occupation and apartheid in Palestinian territories. Instead of pursuing accountability through multilateral mechanisms, he argued, Indonesia risks legitimizing alleged crimes by taking part in Gaza’s reconstruction through the BoP without meaningful Palestinian involvement.

Amnesty also questioned the prospect of Indonesia’s president discussing Gaza’s reconstruction alongside leaders of a regime that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared responsible for illegal occupation and apartheid. Participation in the forum, the group said, could shift Israel’s position from alleged perpetrator of war crimes and crimes against humanity to an equal discussion partner, while sidelining Palestinian voices.

The organization further criticized the Foreign Ministry’s statement for failing to explicitly identify which party should be held accountable for violations of international law in Gaza. While the ministry reiterated Indonesia’s call for an end to violence and respect for international humanitarian law, Amnesty said it did not clearly assign responsibility.

Amnesty also challenged the government’s claim that Indonesia’s participation in the BoP would contribute to Gaza’s reconstruction. Citing data from the United Nations Satellite Centre, which reported that 81 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure has been damaged, the group stressed that under international humanitarian law, the aggressor responsible for destroying civilian infrastructure must bear full responsibility for reparations.

Amnesty International Indonesia said it had sent an open letter to the House of Representatives (DPR RI), urging lawmakers to summon the president and foreign minister to explain the decision to join the BoP. The group also called on the government to review any plan to deploy Indonesian troops to Gaza under the BoP framework.

The Foreign Ministry has maintained that Indonesia’s participation in the BoP does not amount to normalization of political relations with any party nor legitimization of any state’s policies. Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said Indonesia’s involvement is based on mandates related to stabilization, civilian protection, humanitarian assistance and reconstruction in Gaza, and does not alter its principled support for ending violence, upholding international law and pursuing a Two-State Solution.(Uki Ruknuddin)