Indonesia, a steadfast advocate for Palestinian self-determination, has adopted a cautious and measured stance in response to a controversial statement by United States President Donald Trump, who recently proposed a plan to take over the Gaza Strip and permanently relocate its population. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has refrained from divulging detailed diplomatic strategies, opting instead for a ‘wait and see’ approach amid growing unpredictability from Washington. This reticence, experts suggest, reflects a pragmatic effort to navigate a volatile international landscape while maintaining Jakarta’s long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause.
The Foreign Ministry’s spokesman, Rolliansyah “Roy” Soemirat, emphasised on Friday that Indonesia would not adopt an “emotional” or “reactionary” posture in response to Trump’s remarks. “I stress that Indonesia’s stance and efforts on Palestine have been consistent, and we will continue to conduct our diplomacy in a measured way and through the proper international fora,” Roy told reporters in Jakarta. He added that not every issue required a direct response to specific statements by individual leaders, underscoring plans to coordinate with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations on recent developments in Gaza.
This diplomatic restraint stands in contrast to Indonesia’s more outspoken actions in recent years. Following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered a devastating military response from Tel Aviv in Gaza, Jakarta ramped up its advocacy for Palestine. Former Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi embarked on shuttle diplomacy to major global powers, including the US, China, Russia, France, and the UK, within weeks of the conflict’s escalation. Indonesia also made a powerful statement at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion public hearing in February 2024, where Retno delivered a 30-minute speech decrying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calling for international accountability. 
A Shift in Tone, Not Commitment
Despite the current reluctance to comment directly on Trump’s proposal—which has been labelled a “moral abomination” by Human Rights Watch—Indonesian officials and analysts insist that this does not signal a wavering in Jakarta’s position. The Foreign Ministry reiterated its rejection of “any actions attempting to alter the demographic composition” of Gaza and affirmed its commitment to monitoring the implementation of a three-phase ceasefire agreement brokered earlier in 2025. This ceasefire, a fragile yet critical step towards halting violence in the region, remains a focal point for Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts.
Experts argue that Jakarta’s cautious approach is a strategic necessity given the unpredictability of the current US administration. Yon Machmudi, a Middle East specialist from the University of Indonesia, described the Indonesian government’s focus on formal agreements like the ceasefire as “the wise thing to do.” Speaking to The Jakarta Post, he noted, “The shift of leadership in Washington has welcomed a disruptive and unpredictable regime. Some describe it as operating on madness. Indonesia’s diplomacy must therefore focus on formal items, such as the ceasefire agreement. We cannot be swayed by confused plans or any other gimmicks.”
Machmudi’s assessment reflects a broader sentiment among analysts that Trump’s statements, including his vision of transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” may be more rhetorical than actionable. The proposal has faced bipartisan condemnation in Washington, with both Republican and Democratic officials publicly dismissing it. Reports suggest the White House has been scrambling to backtrack on the idea, while Trump doubled down on Thursday, asserting that “the Gaza Strip would be turned over to the US by Israel at the conclusion of fighting,” according to Reuters. Yet, with significant opposition in the US and uncertainty over the plan’s feasibility, many countries, including Indonesia, appear hesitant to engage directly with the proposal.
Global Reactions and Indonesia’s Role
Indonesia is not alone in its reserved response. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while reaffirming Canberra’s support for a two-state solution on Wednesday, stated he would “not give daily commentary on statements by the US president.” This global caution underscores the complexity of reacting to Trump’s often unpredictable policy pronouncements, particularly on an issue as sensitive as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
For Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, the Palestinian cause is deeply personal and politically significant. The country has historically positioned itself as a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights, leveraging its influence in international forums like the OIC and the UN. Roy, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, reaffirmed this commitment, stating, “We will take advantage of every avenue and communicate with stakeholders at every level – and our engagements do not have to address any specific statements.” This suggests that while Jakarta may avoid direct confrontation over Trump’s remarks, it remains actively engaged in behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
The ministry also declined to provide details on the activities of Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta, who was appointed by President Prabowo Subianto earlier in 2025 to focus on Middle Eastern affairs. This opacity has drawn some criticism from observers who recall Indonesia’s more transparent and assertive actions in the past. However, officials maintain that the country’s fundamental stance on Palestine remains unchanged, prioritising long-term solutions over reactive posturing.
Ceasefire Implementation as a Priority
Central to Indonesia’s current diplomatic focus is the monitoring of the ceasefire agreement implemented in January 2025, which brought a temporary halt to the devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. Images from the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, captured on 19 January 2025, show residents walking past the rubble of collapsed buildings near a destroyed clinic run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). These stark visuals serve as a reminder of the immense destruction wrought by the war and the urgent need for sustained peace efforts.
Indonesia’s emphasis on the ceasefire aligns with its broader goal of ensuring stability in Gaza without being drawn into speculative or inflammatory debates sparked by external actors. By focusing on tangible outcomes—such as the ceasefire’s three-phase structure—Jakarta seeks to contribute constructively to the international response, coordinating with allies in the OIC and beyond. This approach also reflects a recognition of the limitations of reacting to proposals like Trump’s, which remain mired in uncertainty and lack concrete policy backing.
Navigating an Unpredictable Landscape
Trump’s plan to relocate Gaza’s population has ignited widespread outrage, yet its practical implications remain unclear. Speculation abounds that the real estate mogul may be using the extreme proposal as a bargaining tactic rather than a serious policy initiative. If confirmed, such a strategy could further complicate diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For now, however, Indonesia appears content to prioritise established frameworks and multilateral cooperation over direct engagement with unverified plans.
This measured stance is likely to resonate with other nations wary of Washington’s unpredictability under Trump’s leadership. It also positions Indonesia as a steady voice in a region often overshadowed by geopolitical volatility. While the Foreign Ministry’s reticence may frustrate some who seek a bolder response, it reflects a calculated effort to maintain diplomatic credibility and focus on achievable goals, such as supporting the ceasefire and advocating for Palestinian rights through international channels.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Indonesia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause is a cornerstone of its foreign policy, rooted in decades of solidarity with oppressed peoples and a rejection of colonial legacies. From its participation in ICJ hearings to its consistent calls for a two-state solution, Jakarta has sought to amplify the voices of Palestinians on the global stage. This legacy continues to shape its response to the current crisis, even as it navigates the challenges posed by an unpredictable US administration and a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
As the situation evolves, Indonesia is poised to play a critical role in shaping the international community’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Whether through quiet diplomacy or public advocacy, Jakarta’s actions will likely remain guided by a commitment to justice and stability in the region. For now, its decision to focus on formal agreements rather than reactive statements signals a pragmatic approach to a deeply complex issue—one that prioritises long-term impact over short-term rhetoric.
In a world where geopolitical tensions often overshadow humanitarian imperatives, Indonesia’s measured response serves as a reminder of the importance of steady, principled diplomacy. As Roy asserted, “Our efforts on Palestine have been consistent, and they will remain so.” For the people of Gaza, caught in the crosshairs of conflict and political posturing, such consistency may yet offer a glimmer of hope amid the uncertainty.
