Prabowo Postpones Sending Peacekeeping Troops to BoP, JK's Advice

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) stated that the government’s efforts to send peacekeeping troops should be conducted through the United Nations (UN). Not through the Peace Council or Board of Peace (BoP) established by US President Donald Trump. “Whenever sending peacekeeping troops, there is always an umbrella, regulations. So far, we have been under UN resolutions,” JK said when met at the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Headquarters, Jakarta, on Wednesday (18/3/2026). He also questioned the rules now adopted by the BoP. This is because Indonesia previously sent peacekeeping troops through the UN mechanism for a longer period. “So, is this under the Board of Peace or what? But I think, in my personal opinion, it’s better if it’s under UN resolutions, that’s it,” JK said. Indonesia, JK explained, has a long history of sending peacekeeping troops in UN uniforms. “And also, the costs (of sending troops) are significant. If in the past it was funded by the UN,” JK added. Previously reported, Indonesia planned to send 8,000 TNI troops for a peacekeeping mission to Gaza. However, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia is postponing the sending of BoP peacekeeping troops from Indonesia to Gaza. “The plan to send peacekeeping troops to Gaza is currently postponed,” stated the Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom), on Monday (16/3/2026). “All discussions related to BoP are being put on hold due to the increasing escalation of conflict in the Middle East,” according to the Bakom statement. Regarding the resolution of the conflict between the United States-Israel versus Iran, which is currently at war, Prabowo has offered himself as a mediator. Meanwhile, Prabowo invited all conflicting parties to be willing to engage in dialogue to end the war. “My advice is always to seek peaceful options,” Prabowo said in the Bakom statement.