Foreign Minister Sugiono clarifies that Indonesia’s membership in the Board of Peace is not contingent on a mandatory financial contribution.

JAKARTA: Indonesia has confirmed it did not pay a US$1 billion contribution to join the Board of Peace (BoP).

Foreign Minister Sugiono stated the amount was not a mandatory membership fee and participation is not contingent on any fixed financial contribution.

“Since the beginning I’ve said that this is not a membership fee. It is not a membership requirement,” he said during a press briefing in Washington.

He explained Indonesia is already a member of the board and that status is not dependent on payment.

Sugiono clarified the US$1 billion figure was discussed in relation to permanent status but was neither compulsory nor a prerequisite.

“Some contribute money, some contribute troops… and some send individual contributions to an account at the World Bank,” he said.

He confirmed the cost of sending Indonesian troops to the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza would be borne by Indonesia.

President Prabowo Subianto previously reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to contribute up to 8,000 troops to the ISF.

Sugiono said Indonesia’s invitation to serve as a deputy commander of the ISF was an honour recognising the country’s peacekeeping reputation.

He noted the presence of Palestinian representative Ali Shaath at the BoP meeting ensured awareness and acceptance of the Indonesian deployment.

Sugiono expressed hope Indonesia’s participation would help maintain the ceasefire and ensure a stable environment in Gaza.

 The Sun Malaysia