WASHINGTON D.C. – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent appearance at the inaugural Board of Peace (BoP) Conference in Washington, D.C., has drawn scrutiny from a former Indonesian diplomat, who expressed regret that the President did not explicitly advocate for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Dino Patti Djalal, a former Deputy Foreign Minister, publicly stated his disappointment that Prabowo’s address before U.S. President Donald Trump at the BoP summit on , did not include a direct reference to the two-state solution or Palestinian independence. Djalal voiced his concerns via a video posted to his Instagram account on , and subsequently granted media permission to quote his remarks.
According to Djalal, several nations – including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and Morocco – did raise the issue of a two-state solution and Palestinian statehood during the high-level meeting. “I also note with regret that President Prabowo’s speech at the Board of Peace summit did not mention the Two-State Solution or Palestinian Statehood,” Djalal said.
The two-state solution, which envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, has long been a cornerstone of Indonesia’s foreign policy regarding the Palestinian issue. Djalal argued that President Trump needed to hear Indonesia’s position directly from Prabowo, particularly given the forum’s purpose and the presence of key international actors.
Djalal, who chairs and founded the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia, further noted that calls for upholding the two-state solution were also communicated to Prabowo by Islamic organizations and foreign policy groups during pre-conference meetings at the State Palace. “The message is that Indonesia’s membership in the Board of Peace should be dedicated to achieving Palestinian independence,” he stated.
However, Djalal acknowledged the possibility that time constraints may have influenced Prabowo’s decision to omit explicit references to the two-state solution. He emphasized the importance of consistently reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to the two-state solution and Palestinian independence in all relevant forums, especially within the Board of Peace framework. “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,” he added.
While Djalal’s comments highlight a perceived omission in Prabowo’s address, the President did address the broader themes of peace and the objectives outlined in the Board of Peace Charter. He also focused on the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and announced Indonesia’s intention to deploy 8,000 troops to the territory.
Notably, Prabowo did reference the two-state solution during a press conference following his speech, stating that conditions in Gaza had improved compared to previous years and that residents were receiving essential supplies. He reiterated Indonesia’s long-held view that a two-state solution remains the only viable long-term resolution to the conflict.
The Board of Peace initiative, launched by President Trump, aims to foster dialogue and collaboration on global peace and security challenges. The inaugural summit brought together leaders from various nations to discuss pressing issues, including conflict resolution, humanitarian crises, and counter-terrorism efforts. Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace is seen as an opportunity to promote its foreign policy priorities and contribute to international peacebuilding initiatives.
Djalal’s remarks underscore the sensitivity surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the importance of consistent diplomatic messaging. Indonesia has historically been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, and its position on the two-state solution is widely recognized internationally. The incident raises questions about the balance between broader peace initiatives and the specific advocacy for long-held foreign policy principles.
The timing of this discussion is particularly relevant given the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the renewed international focus on finding a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Indonesia’s role within the Board of Peace, and its ability to effectively advocate for Palestinian independence, will likely be closely watched by regional and international stakeholders.
