Purbaya: State Budget Not Prepared for BoP Dues

In a clear statement addressing public concerns, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has affirmed that President Prabowo Subianto has not directed the preparation of state funds from the APBN (State Budget) for contributions to the Board of Peace (BoP). This clarification comes amidst discussions surrounding Indonesia's potential involvement and financial commitments to the international initiative, which has been linked to former US President Donald Trump.

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I have never received instructions from the President to provide money for the BoP.

Minister Purbaya emphasized that Indonesia's participation in the BoP does not entail any financial obligations. Instead, the commitment articulated by President Prabowo centers on the provision of peacekeeping forces, a stance aimed at safeguarding the interests of the Palestinian people. The Minister explicitly stated that there is no commitment to pay dues, particularly noting the sensitivity surrounding the potential use of funds to support Israel.

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But there is no commitment to pay, especially if it is used for Israel.

This position aligns with President Prabowo's earlier remarks, where he firmly denied any promise or commitment of a $1 billion contribution to the BoP. He highlighted Indonesia's absence from the founding donors' meeting in Washington, underscoring that no financial commitment was ever made. The President reiterated Indonesia's readiness to contribute peacekeeping troops as needed, framing the nation's involvement as a humanitarian effort focused on maintaining peace and security in the Gaza region.

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So, the President's position is clear. He entered it wanting to protect the interests of the Palestinian people as closely as possible.

From the perspective of Republika, an Indonesian publication committed to reflecting national interests and Islamic values, this stance is crucial. It demonstrates Indonesia's principled foreign policy, prioritizing humanitarian aid and peacekeeping over financial entanglements, especially in a complex geopolitical context. The emphasis on supporting Palestinian welfare through tangible means like peacekeeping troops, rather than monetary contributions, resonates deeply with the Indonesian public and reinforces the nation's role as a advocate for peace and justice.

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No, never. In the meeting in Washington on February 19, that was a meeting of founding donors. They each contributed, maybe some more, but Indonesia was not there. Because from the beginning, when asked, I did not commit any money at all.