Jakarta – Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 8,000 soldiers to Gaza as part of an international peacekeeping force, marking the first firm commitment to the stabilization effort following a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States late last year. The move, spearheaded by President Prabowo Subianto, represents a significant shift in Indonesia’s foreign policy and a willingness to take on a prominent role in the volatile region. This deployment is linked to President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative, a council aimed at overseeing post-war reconstruction and establishing a new Palestinian government in Gaza.
The decision to send troops, initially planned for around 1,000 by April and potentially scaling up to 8,000 by the end of June, has been met with both support and criticism within Indonesia. While President Subianto argues that Indonesia, as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, has a responsibility to assist stabilize Gaza and pursue a two-state solution, some Islamic groups have voiced concerns over the US’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The deployment requires final approval from President Subianto and adherence to international mechanisms.
The Board of Peace and Indonesia’s Role
The Indonesian commitment comes as part of a broader US-supported peace plan for Gaza, which was approved by the United Nations Security Council last November. The plan centers around the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to secure border areas and oversee the demilitarization of Gaza, including the disarmament of Hamas. President Trump’s Board of Peace, which will hold its first meeting in Washington on February 19, 2026, will oversee the ISF and the formation of a new technocratic Palestinian government. The board’s structure has raised questions about its relationship to the United Nations, with some observers questioning whether it aims to circumvent the existing international body.
According to the Indonesian army chief of staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak, training for the deploying soldiers has already begun, with a focus on medical and engineering roles. Indonesia has clarified that its troops will not have the authority to disarm any group in Gaza and will not engage in combat, focusing instead on providing humanitarian assistance and supporting stabilization efforts. This non-combat role is intended to address concerns raised by critics within Indonesia.
International Response and Domestic Debate
Indonesia’s offer to contribute troops represents one of the largest commitments to a peacekeeping force globally. The move is considered politically risky, given Indonesia’s lack of official relations with Israel. However, President Subianto has emphasized the importance of Indonesia’s involvement in achieving a lasting peace.
The Indonesian government has asserted that its participation in the ISF has gained the consent of the Palestinian Authority, according to reports. Despite this claim, the deployment has sparked debate within Indonesia, with some questioning the effectiveness of the US-led peace plan and the potential for Indonesian troops to turn into entangled in a complex and sensitive conflict.
President Trump has publicly praised President Subianto, stating, “Prabowo is a tough cookie and I like him a lot,” signaling the close collaboration between the two leaders on this initiative.
What to Watch Next
The coming weeks will be crucial as Indonesia finalizes its deployment plans and coordinates with the US and other international partners. The success of the ISF will depend on the cooperation of all parties involved and the ability to address the underlying political and economic challenges facing Gaza. The first meeting of the Board of Peace on February 19th will provide further insight into the implementation of the peace plan and the role Indonesia is expected to play.
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