Indonesia Prepares Thousands of Troops for Potential Gaza Deployment, Amidst Concerns Over Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’
Indonesia is preparing up to 8,000 troops for a potential deployment to Gaza as part of a humanitarian and peace mission, marking the first firm commitment to a key element of U.S. President Donald Trump’s postwar reconstruction plan for the region. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has finalized a proposed troop structure and timeline, with readiness expected by the end of June, though a final decision on deployment awaits government approval.
Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono stated on Sunday that the TNI is prepared for assignment “anywhere,” emphasizing the troops’ readiness for “dispatch at short notice once the government gives formal approval.” A composite brigade of 8,000 personnel has been structured, following a decision made during a February 12th meeting, according to Pramono.
The preparation schedule includes health checks and administrative tasks throughout February, followed by a force readiness review at the month’s end. Approximately 1,000 personnel are anticipated to be ready for deployment as an advance team by April, with the remaining troops prepared by June. However, Pramono clarified that achieving readiness does not automatically trigger deployment, stressing that a political decision and adherence to international mechanisms are still required.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has consistently maintained 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.
This commitment comes as President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to meet with President Trump in Washington this week to discuss the Board of Peace initiative, intended to oversee a ceasefire in Gaza. However, Indonesia has signaled it may withdraw from the Board if its goals, particularly advancing Palestinian independence, are not met. Foreign Minister Sugiono indicated that Prabowo is keeping the option of withdrawal open if the board’s direction “did not align” with Indonesia’s priorities of peace in Gaza, broader peace in Palestine, and Palestinian independence, and sovereignty.
Despite Indonesia’s preparations, concerns have been raised by Palestinian factions. Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official, told Al Jazeera that Palestinians reject any form of foreign guardianship over Gaza. He communicated directly with Jakarta, stating that any foreign forces must remain neutral and not act in a manner that contradicts Palestinian will or serves as a proxy for Israeli occupation.
The deployment timeline sees approximately 1,000 personnel potentially ready to deploy by April , with full readiness achieved by June . The Indonesian Army Chief of Staff, Maruli Simanjuntak, previously estimated the potential deployment size to be between 5,000 and 8,000 personnel, with final numbers still under negotiation.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterated Indonesia’s consistent support for Palestinian independence through a two-state solution and vowed to reject any demographic changes or forced relocation of the Palestinian people.
