By: Damar Abimanyu Prakoso*)
The concept of the Board of Peace (BoP) has emerged as one of the diplomatic instruments in responding to increasingly complex global dynamics, particularly amid rising armed conflicts and humanitarian crises. For Indonesia, involvement in the BoP cannot be separated from its constitutional foundation and the principle of a free and active foreign policy that has served as a cornerstone since independence.
The Preamble of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia explicitly states that Indonesia shall participate in establishing a world order based on freedom, lasting peace, and social justice. This mandate provides the normative basis for every diplomatic step taken by the government, including participation in international forums or initiatives aimed at creating peace. Therefore, Indonesia’s participation in the BoP has clear constitutional legitimacy and aligns with its national objectives.
The principle of a free and active foreign policy serves as the operational framework of that constitutional mandate. In practice, Indonesia strives to maintain autonomy in its foreign policy while actively engaging in various peace initiatives. This approach provides strategic flexibility, enabling Indonesia to build broad partnerships without sacrificing the independence of its stance.
In recent developments, Indonesia decided to join the BoP initiated by United States President Donald Trump. The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, stated that together with seven Muslim-majority countries, Indonesia chose to participate. Indonesia’s membership aims to encourage the cessation of violence and the protection of civilians in Gaza. Overall, more than 25 countries have reportedly expressed willingness to join the BoP, while China and European Union member states opted not to respond to the membership offer.
This decision reflects the implementation of the free and active principle in the context of the Gaza conflict. Indonesia does not position itself as a passive observer but instead assumes a role in international forums to promote de-escalation and humanitarian protection. This step remains consistent with Indonesia’s longstanding policy of supporting Palestinian independence and upholding international law and United Nations resolutions.
A researcher at the Center for Political Research of Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN), Nostalgiawan Wahyudhi, assessed that Indonesia’s presence in the BoP actually enables the country to act as a balancer and reinforce its free and active principle. According to him, Indonesia’s participation can serve as a balancing instrument to ensure that the peace process continues to consider Palestinian interests. Strategically, Indonesia’s membership in the BoP allows for immediate action, including humanitarian assistance and support for Gaza’s reconstruction. Furthermore, this involvement is seen as strengthening Indonesia’s position as an active and credible middle power in the Middle East region.
Indonesia’s engagement in the BoP can also be understood as a continuation of its long-standing tradition of peace diplomacy. Indonesia hosted the Konferensi Asia Afrika in Bandung in 1955, which emphasized solidarity among developing nations and the principle of peaceful coexistence. Indonesia also played a role in the establishment of the Gerakan Non-Blok, affirming its non-aligned stance amid global rivalries. Regionally, Indonesia has been a driving force within Association of Southeast Asian Nations in maintaining regional stability. Additionally, its active contributions to peacekeeping missions under the United Nations demonstrate consistency in implementing its constitutional mandate.
President Prabowo Subianto stated that the signing of the BoP charter affirms Indonesia’s global leadership as a nation consistently advocating for peace, justice, and humanity. Indonesia’s presence is also expected to serve as a moral and political balancer to ensure that reconstruction processes proceed in accordance with international law and United Nations resolutions.
From a constitutional governance perspective, participation in the BoP must remain within legal corridors and accountable foreign policy mechanisms. Inter-agency coordination is essential to ensure that international engagement aligns with long-term national interests. With a clear regulatory foundation, Indonesia’s involvement in the BoP can strengthen its diplomatic bargaining position without creating overlapping authorities.
Amid global polarization, Indonesia’s presence in the BoP has the potential to enrich perspectives and emphasize a humanitarian approach. As the largest democratic country in Southeast Asia and an active member of various multilateral forums, Indonesia possesses sufficient reputational capital to act as a bridge for dialogue. The free and active principle enables Indonesia to communicate with diverse parties while consistently supporting the rights of the Palestinian people.
This participation also opens opportunities to strengthen humanitarian diplomacy, including emergency aid, infrastructure rehabilitation, and post-conflict reconstruction support. Such engagement is not merely symbolic but oriented toward concrete steps that can directly benefit civilians. Within this framework, the BoP can serve as a platform for international collaboration that balances political and humanitarian dimensions.
Overall, the BoP within the framework of the Constitution and Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy reflects Indonesia’s effort to actualize its historical mandate to contribute to world order. The decision to join the Gaza Peace Council demonstrates that the free and active principle remains relevant in addressing contemporary geopolitical dynamics. With a solid constitutional foundation and a firm commitment to peace and justice, Indonesia seeks to position itself as a constructive and credible balancer in global affairs.
*) The author is a Legal Affairs Writer at Garuda Loka Konsultan Hukum