Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia’s military has announced This proves preparing up to 8,000 troops for potential deployment to Gaza as part of a humanitarian and peacekeeping mission, a move that represents the first firm commitment of personnel to a security initiative envisioned by US President Donald Trump’s administration. The announcement, made on Sunday , signals a significant development in the ongoing efforts to establish an International Stabilization Force (ISF) for the territory.
According to Indonesian military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono, the troops are expected to be ready for deployment by the end of June. A composite brigade structure has been finalized, with approximately 1,000 personnel potentially available as an advance team as early as April. Pramono emphasized that the deployment remains contingent upon a formal government decision and the establishment of clear international mechanisms.
“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 military is currently conducting health checks and completing necessary administrative procedures to prepare the personnel for potential deployment.
The Indonesian commitment is a key component of President Trump’s post-war plan for Gaza, which envisions an ISF overseeing security as the Israel Defense Forces gradually withdraw. However, securing commitments from countries to contribute troops has proven challenging, amid uncertainty surrounding Hamas’s willingness to disarm and the potential for renewed conflict.
The timing of Indonesia’s announcement coincides with preparations for the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace” – chaired by President Trump – scheduled for Thursday in Washington, D.C. Trump has stated that the meeting will feature announcements of pledges exceeding $5 billion towards the reconstruction of Gaza, with contributions anticipated from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait, as well as the United States.
Indonesia’s willingness to contribute troops is particularly noteworthy given its lack of formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Despite this, Jakarta has maintained a consistent focus on humanitarian aid to Gaza, including funding for a hospital in the territory. Officials have indicated that any Indonesian involvement will be strictly humanitarian in nature.
The move also comes amidst a shifting political landscape within Indonesia. While former President Joko Widodo previously called for Muslim nations to unite against Israel, current President Prabowo Subianto has signaled a potential openness to establishing diplomatic ties with Israel, contingent upon the recognition of an independent Palestinian state. Subianto recently stated his country is ready to open diplomatic ties with Israel if it recognizes “Palestine” as an independent state.
However, the decision to participate in the ISF has not been without domestic scrutiny. Experts like Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, a Middle East specialist at Jakarta’s Center of Economic and Law Studies, have cautioned against potential risks. “We need to be careful to ensure that our military personnel are not supporting the Israeli military forces,” Rakhmat said. “We need to be careful that our military forces are not fighting against wrong actors.”
A significant concern revolves around the unclear mandate of the ISF, which will operate outside the framework of the United Nations. Unlike UN peacekeeping forces, which operate under clearly defined mandates, the scope of the ISF’s authority and rules of engagement remain undefined. The ceasefire agreement outlines a broad objective for the ISF to “provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza” and “work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas,” but details regarding operational procedures and accountability are lacking.
Financial implications also raise questions. Indonesia currently receives funding from the UN for its contributions to peacekeeping missions. However, it is anticipated that the deployment to Gaza will require Indonesia to cover the costs itself, potentially including a $1 billion payment for a permanent seat on the Board of Peace, as outlined in a draft charter. This financial burden, coupled with the lack of clarity surrounding the ISF’s mandate, has fueled skepticism among some Indonesian observers.
Indonesia’s experience in peacekeeping operations – as one of the top ten contributors to UN missions, including in Lebanon – positions it as a potentially valuable asset to the ISF. However, the success of the mission will ultimately depend on the establishment of a clear and internationally accepted mandate, adequate funding, and a commitment from all parties to uphold the principles of neutrality and humanitarian assistance. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Indonesia’s commitment translates into a tangible contribution to stability in Gaza.
