Gaza – Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of a multinational peacekeeping force, marking the first firm commitment of personnel to the International Stabilization Force (ISF). The announcement, made on , signals a significant step towards implementing the ceasefire agreement brokered last year and overseen by US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.
The potential deployment, which Indonesian officials estimate could range between 5,000 and 8,000 soldiers, is still subject to final agreement. Presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi stated on , that Indonesia is “just preparing ourselves in case an agreement is reached and we have to send peacekeeping forces.” The total size of the ISF is projected to be approximately 20,000 troops, with contributions expected from multiple nations.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak confirmed that preparations are underway within the Indonesian army, with personnel being trained for peacekeeping operations, specifically focusing on engineering and medical units. He emphasized that details regarding the force’s composition and deployment location are still under negotiation with relevant parties. Israeli public radio reported that a site in southern Gaza, between Rafah and Khan Younis, has been tentatively designated for barracks to house the Indonesian contingent.
The move positions Indonesia at the forefront of international efforts to stabilize Gaza following the recent conflict. As the world’s most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia’s involvement carries significant symbolic and practical weight. The deployment would be historic, representing the first external force stationed in Gaza since 1967.
The ISF operates under the auspices of the Board of Peace, established by President Trump as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The force is mandated by the UN Security Council and tasked with maintaining security in the Strip while facilitating a gradual withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which currently controls 53 percent of the enclave. A key component of the agreement requires Hamas, which maintains control over the remaining areas of Gaza, to disarm – a condition that has proven challenging to secure, hindering broader international participation in the ISF.
While the Indonesian commitment is the most concrete to date, securing contributions from other nations has been difficult. The potential arrival of a significant foreign military presence in Gaza is expected to face opposition from hardline factions within the Israeli government, particularly those associated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.
According to officials, the Indonesian troops will take on a non-offensive role, primarily focused on supporting recovery efforts and maintaining peace. The foreign affairs ministry has indicated that the precise details of the mission are still being finalized. The deployment is intended to contribute to the broader goals of reconstruction and long-term stability in the war-torn enclave.
The timing of the deployment remains uncertain. President Prabowo Subianto’s office has indicated a willingness to move forward quickly, but logistical and political hurdles remain. The success of the ISF will depend on continued international cooperation and the willingness of all parties to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
The proposed peacekeeping force represents a novel approach to conflict resolution in the region, relying on a multinational presence to ensure security and facilitate a transition towards a more stable future. However, the challenges are substantial, and the long-term viability of the ISF will depend on addressing the underlying political and security concerns that have fueled the conflict for decades.
Indonesia’s decision to commit troops underscores its commitment to international peace and security, and its willingness to play a leading role in addressing complex geopolitical challenges. The country’s involvement is likely to be closely watched by regional and international actors as the situation in Gaza continues to evolve.
