Moscow Absent, Russia Respects Indonesia's Joining Gaza Peace Board
The Russian government has expressed profound respect for Indonesia’s sovereign decision to join the Gaza Peace Board (BoP), a step taken under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership as a tangible form of protection for the Palestinian people.
Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov affirmed that Moscow fully understands Jakarta’s diplomatic motives. According to him, Indonesia’s involvement in the BoP reflects the consistency of Indonesia’s foreign policy in actively supporting global peace.
At a press conference held at his residence in Jakarta on Thursday, 26 February 2026, Tolchenov conveyed that Russia sees Indonesia’s strong desire to end suffering in Gaza. “We respect Indonesia’s sovereign decision and understand the reasons behind President Prabowo Subianto’s decision. We understand that Indonesia wants to protect Palestine,” Tolchenov stated.
He also noted that President Prabowo and Foreign Minister Sugiono remain consistent in advocating the two-state solution as a permanent way out of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite honouring the decisions of BoP member states, Russia firmly chose not to participate in the council. Tolchenov revealed several fundamental reasons why Moscow did not support UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which formed the basis for establishing the BoP.
According to Tolchenov, the structure of the Gaza Council currently does not include an explicit mandate regarding the formation or recognition of Palestinian statehood. “In the Gaza Council there is nothing about a two-state solution, the formation of a Palestinian state, or recognition of a Palestinian state,” he said.
One critical point highlighted by Russia was the imbalance of representation in the council’s structure. Russia lamented Israel’s presence in the council, but the absence of Palestinian representation. “In the Gaza Council there is no Palestinian. Israel is there, Palestine is not. So how can we do this?” he asked.
On the other hand, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia’s position when attending the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, which was also attended by United States President Donald Trump. Prabowo emphasised that Indonesia’s participation is a manifestation of consistency in promoting a fair solution for the Palestinian people.
Russia stated it would continue to monitor the development and effectiveness of the Board of Peace’s work, whilst maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Indonesia on global issues.
The Gaza Peace Council (BoP) is a body established based on UN Security Council Resolution 2803 to address conflict and peace in the Gaza region. The Russian Federation’s Ambassador to Indonesia is Sergei Tolchenov. Indonesia joined to actively promote world peace and ensure a just solution for the Palestinian people in accordance with the two-state solution principle.