Communications Minister Discusses Indonesia's Historic Entry to Board of Peace

Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid has described Indonesia’s involvement in the Board of Peace (BoP) forum as a historic milestone in the country’s diplomacy on Palestine, saying Indonesia’s role in Palestinian independence is now strategically significant.

“This is a new chapter in the sense that previously our approach to supporting Palestinian independence was limited to condemning every attack and voicing condemnation at the United Nations. But it was very difficult for us to become actively involved as mandated by our constitution,” Meutya said during the Blak-blakan programme on detikcom on Friday (20 February 2026).

She explained that Indonesia had previously confined itself largely to political statements of condemnation at international forums, alongside channelling humanitarian assistance such as hospital construction and logistical support.

“The way we were actively involved before was by building hospitals, and most importantly through aid from both the government and the public, but we couldn’t do much more than that,” she said.

“Because there was simply no forum or platform to do so. We couldn’t just suddenly send our troops there the way we are now able to do,” she added.

According to the minister, Indonesia’s current involvement represents a historic development. Indonesia is now set to deploy 8,000 peacekeeping troops and has been appointed deputy commander of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) mission.

“This means that for humanitarian operations carried out by soldiers — not only from Indonesia but from many countries there — we have a sufficiently strong say and command authority,” she said.

“I think this is what gave us a sense of relief and pride when we saw the outcomes of the first BoP meeting held in the United States,” she continued.

She assessed the move as a major leap forward, arguing that Indonesia can no longer afford to be a mere spectator on global issues.

“It’s a big step, and it’s about time,” she said.