Indonesia to Deploy 8,000 Troops to Gaza by June, as Trump Seeks Post-War Force

Indonesia Prepares Thousands of Troops for Potential Gaza Peacekeeping Role

Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia’s military announced Sunday it is preparing up to 8,000 troops for a potential deployment to Gaza as part of a humanitarian and peace mission, marking a significant step forward in U.S. President Donald Trump’s postwar reconstruction plan for the territory. The troops are expected to be ready by the end of June.

The commitment from Indonesia represents the first firm pledge of personnel to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) envisioned by Trump, which aims to oversee security in Gaza as the Israel Defense Forces gradually withdraw. Trump has faced challenges securing commitments from other nations, amid uncertainty surrounding Hamas’s willingness to disarm and the potential for renewed conflict.

On Sunday, Trump expressed optimism about the force coming together, stating on social media that participating countries had committed “thousands of personnel” and pledged over $5 billion for Gaza’s reconstruction. He emphasized the need for Hamas to “uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarization.”

The Indonesian commitment, initially announced last week, involves a composite brigade of 8,000 personnel, according to Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono, a spokesperson for the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). Pramono stated that the TNI has finalized the troop structure and a timeline for potential deployment, though the government has yet to make a final decision on when the troops will be sent.

“In principle, we are ready to be assigned anywhere,” Pramono told the Associated Press. “Our troops are fully prepared and can be dispatched at short notice once the government gives formal approval.”

The Indonesian military’s schedule includes health checks and administrative tasks throughout February, followed by a force readiness review at the end of the month. Approximately 1,000 personnel are expected to be ready to deploy as an advance team by April, with the remainder following by June. However, Pramono clarified that readiness does not automatically equate to deployment, as a political decision and international coordination are still required.

Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has consistently stated that any Indonesian role in Gaza will be strictly humanitarian, focusing on civilian protection, medical services, and reconstruction efforts. Indonesian troops will not participate in combat operations or actions that could lead to direct confrontation with armed groups, suggesting a limited role in efforts to disarm Hamas.

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Israel but has long supported a two-state solution. The country has been actively involved in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, including funding for a hospital.

Indonesian officials have justified joining President Trump’s Board of Peace, established last month with a mandate from the United Nations Security Council to establish the ISF, by stating it is necessary to advocate for Palestinian interests from within the process, given Israel’s inclusion on the board without Palestinian representation.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the board’s first meeting this week in Washington, D.C. His spokesman, Prasetyo Hadi, stated last week that negotiations are underway regarding Indonesia’s $1 billion contribution for permanent membership on the Board of Peace, but did not specify with whom those negotiations are taking place.

Indonesia has a strong track record in peacekeeping operations, consistently ranking among the top 10 contributors to United Nations missions, including a current deployment in Lebanon. Addressing the UN General Assembly in September, Subianto emphasized the importance of respecting Israel’s right to security while advocating for a two-state solution, concluding his speech with the Hebrew greeting, “Shalom.”