From Foreign Policy · Derek Grossman · · 2m
Prabowo Faces Trump Backlash
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's U.S. alignment sparks domestic backlash over Gaza and tariffs.
In brief
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's U.S. alignment sparks domestic backlash over Gaza and tariffs. Prabowo Subianto faces growing domestic opposition after Indonesia's Gaza peace efforts and U.S. tariff agreement with Trump. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Prabowo Skips UNGA
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto skipped the annual UNGA proceedings this year.
Prabowo's Gaza Commitment
Prabowo pledged financial support and 20,000 or more peacekeepers for Gaza settlement.
“20,000 or even more”
Prabowo Promises Israeli Recognition
Prabowo committed to recognizing Israel once Israel recognized a Palestinian state.
Prabowo Joins Board of Peace
Prabowo participated in Trump's Board of Peace meeting and linked Indonesia's troops to U.S.-led Gaza stabilization.
Prabowo's 20-Point Plan Commitment
Prabowo declared Indonesia 'completely agree[d]' with and 'fully committed' to Trump's 20-point plan.
“completely agree[d]”
Domestic Backlash Grows
Indonesian Muslim groups questioned if Gaza initiative would advance Palestinian statehood or subordinate Indonesia to U.S. and Israel.
Public Opinion Skeptical
A March 2026 survey found 50.9% opposed Indonesia's Board of Peace membership and 44.9% opposed troop deployment to Gaza.
“50.9 percent”
Iran War Complicates Affairs
Prabowo froze Indonesia's Board of Peace engagement after Iran war worsened U.S. association with Muslim-majority states.
Prabowo Sets Conditions
Prabowo required Indonesian forces not to disarm Hamas and to get Palestinian leader consent before troop deployment.
U.S. Tariff Agreement
Jakarta signed a U.S. tariff agreement after Trump imposed 32% tariffs on Indonesian imports in April 2025.
“32 percent”
Tariff Negotiation
Indonesia reduced tariffs from 32% to 19% but agreed to U.S. export controls and trade restrictions with China.
“19 percent”
Supreme Court Ruling
U.S. Supreme Court ruled Trump's tariffs illegal on Feb. 20, 2026, prompting criticism of Indonesia's timing.
“Feb. 20”
U.S. Investigations
Trump opened Section 301 investigations into Indonesian manufacturing overcapacity and forced labor imports.
Airspace Access Agreement
Prabowo approved U.S. military access to Indonesia's sovereign airspace for crisis responses.
Prabowo's Response
Prabowo appointed Arrmanatha Nasir as new foreign minister to scrutinize international commitments before signing.
The main idea
Prabowo Subianto faces growing domestic opposition after Indonesia's Gaza peace efforts and U.S. tariff agreement with Trump.
