The "New Gaza" Project as Modern Colonialism
SUARA NEGERI | JAKARTA — The Indonesian government's decision to officially join the Board of Peace (BOP) and assume the role of deputy commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza has drawn sharp criticism.
International relations observer Pizaro Ghozali Idrus warned of a "diplomatic trap" that could violate the constitutional mandate and the principle of an independent and active foreign policy.
In his critical note, Pizaro underscored five crucial points considered to be danger signs for Indonesian diplomacy on the global stage.
1. The Trap of Command Under the Control of the Occupier
Pizaro highlighted that although Indonesia served as deputy commander at the meeting in Washington (February 19, 2026), ultimate control of the ISF remains in the hands of the United States, with its command center in Israel.
"Indonesia has the potential to become a tool of legitimacy for a colonial agenda that has been going on for over a century, instead of a protector of Palestinian sovereignty," Pizaro wrote yesterday.
He also reminded that the deployment of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) abroad must be approved by the House of Representatives (DPR) and require budget transparency, not simply be an administrative decision by the President.
2. Ignoring the Principle of Self-Determination
The division of Gaza into five control zones by the BOP is considered to violate Palestinian sovereignty.
Pizaro questioned why the mandate for these foreign troops only requires the approval of the US and Israel, while the Gaza fighters themselves reject their presence within the settlement area.
He likened this to Indonesia's history of resisting the division of territory by a foreign coalition against the Dutch.
3. The "New Gaza" Project as Modern Colonialism
Jared Kushner's "New Gaza" map, which transforms Gaza into an industrial and entertainment zone, was described by Pizaro as an attempt to erase historical identity.
"Development without freedom is merely an oppressive illusion," he stressed.
He strongly criticized the scenario that gradually displaces Gazans for the sake of foreign investment in conflict-ridden areas.
4. Inequality in the Disarmament Narrative
Pizaro highlighted the double standard in Donald Trump's speech, which demanded the disarmament of Hamas without making a similar demand of Israel. Yet, data shows that hundreds of Gazans died as a result of Israeli weapons violations after the October 2025 ceasefire.
He regretted Indonesia's seemingly "inferior" stance and its failure to respond firmly to Trump's ambitions at the summit.
5. Twisting the Facts: Victims Become Suspects
The final danger sign is the BOP narrative, which appears to position Palestine as the source of the problem. Meanwhile, Israel, which has expanded settlements and besieged the Al-Aqsa Mosque, has not received similar sanctions.
"This is an affront to humanitarian values. The victims are being made scapegoats, while the occupiers are free to roam," concluded the Ph.D. candidate from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
About the Author:
Pizaro Ghozali Idrus is the author of "The Collapse of the Myth of the Greatness of the Israeli Army" and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in International Relations at the Center for Policy Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia. (*)
