The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) has condemned President Prabowo Subianto’s attendance at the inaugural summit of the Board of Peace (BoP) in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 2026. The organization urged Indonesia to withdraw from the U.S.-initiated council, arguing that Indonesia’s involvement reflects confusion in Prabowo’s foreign policy and downplays alleged humanitarian crimes committed by the United States and Israel against Palestine.
YLBHI stated that Indonesia, as the current President of the UN Human Rights Council, should prioritize established international legal mechanisms instead of joining an organization that, according to them, lacks a clear human rights framework. The foundation emphasized that Indonesia has historically supported Palestinian independence and should remain consistent with constitutional principles opposing colonialism and supporting self-determination.
The group outlined four main concerns:
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Undermining international human rights law and damaging Indonesia’s credibility as President of the UN Human Rights Council, particularly after former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly dismissed the importance of international law.
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Contradicting Indonesia’s longstanding support for Palestine, especially since Israel is a member of the Board of Peace. YLBHI also criticized plans to deploy Indonesian troops to assist demilitarization efforts in Gaza.
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Ignoring International Criminal Court (ICC) accountability, noting that the ICC has indicated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may bear responsibility for war crimes in Gaza.
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Lack of human rights mechanisms within the Board of Peace, which YLBHI claims is not based on international law and lacks transparency and accountability.
YLBHI further criticized the shrinking civic space in Indonesia during Prabowo’s presidency, citing increasing restrictions on civil liberties.
Despite the criticism, President Prabowo stated that Indonesia joined the Board of Peace to help advance a sustainable peace solution in Gaza and to support the continuation of the ceasefire.
SOURCE: tempo.co/politik/ylbhi-kecam-kehadiran-prabowo-dalam-ktt-dewan-perdamaian-2116305
