Indonesia is preparing to send up to 8,000 troops to Gaza to participate in an international peacekeeping force as part of the Trump Middle East plan.
The announcement was made by Indonesia’s army chief of staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak, who described the potential deployment as a historic first for the region. “We’ve started training people who could potentially become peacemakers,” he said.
This deployment would mark the first time a foreign military presence has been stationed in Gaza since 1967, signaling Indonesia’s rising role in international diplomacy.
General Maruli emphasized that the mission is still in planning stages. “It’s all still being negotiated, not certain. So there’s no certainty on the number until now,” he explained.
Israeli reports indicate that a site in southern Gaza, between Rafah and Khan Younis, has been designated for Indonesian barracks, preparing the area for an army brigade.
The planned Indonesian brigade could consist of 5,000 to 8,000 troops, potentially including engineering and health units aimed at supporting civilian populations.
Violence in Gaza has decreased under a ceasefire announced last October, but near-daily clashes and bombardments have continued, leaving more than 500 Palestinians dead since the truce began.
The peacekeeping force is part of the second phase of the Trump plan, which envisions an interim administration of Palestinian technocrats governing Gaza with a trained Palestinian police force.
The police force is currently being trained in Jordan and Egypt to handle internal security, while the international stabilisation force would support broader peace efforts.
Indonesia’s participation highlights its position as the world’s most populous Islamic nation and reflects an intention to engage in high-profile peace diplomacy in the Middle East.
The deployment is expected to draw both international attention and domestic debate, with critics questioning Indonesia’s ability to navigate a volatile conflict zone.
President Prabowo Subianto, previously offered 20,000 troops for the international stabilisation force, although the current plans indicate a smaller contingent.
Observers note that Indonesia’s engagement is a diplomatic gamble. The Jakarta Globe commented, “Indonesia risks becoming part of a diplomatic problem larger than the conflict it seeks to end.”
Indonesian officials argue that participation could allow the country to influence the peace process and provide humanitarian support, rather than merely symbolizing international involvement.
General Maruli highlighted that troops will be trained in peacemaking, engineering, and medical support. “We’re preparing units that can assist with both security and civilian aid,” he said.
The deployment of foreign troops, especially from a Muslim-majority country, may face resistance from far-right political factions in Israel, who oppose the idea of a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu’s coalition includes elements that advocate for expanding settlements and potentially removing Palestinian populations, making the presence of Indonesian forces politically sensitive.
Discussions are ongoing between Israeli officials, Trump’s administration, and other international actors about the implementation and scope of the plan, particularly concerning troop deployment.
President Prabowo has also agreed to join the “board of peace,” a group of global leaders overseeing the plan’s progress and advising on conflict resolution strategies.
The board’s first full meeting is scheduled for next week, and Indonesia’s role is seen as both a diplomatic opportunity and a test of its global influence.
Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, proposed that an interim administration would manage daily governance in Gaza, disarm Hamas, and work with international forces to stabilize the region.
Indonesian participation could help shape the peace plan’s humanitarian focus, ensuring aid delivery and civilian safety, while navigating the complex political landscape of Gaza.
While exact numbers and deployment dates remain undecided, preparations continue with training programs designed to equip Indonesian troops with the skills needed for peacekeeping missions.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations between Indonesia, Israel, the United States, and other regional stakeholders determining the final structure and objectives of the international stabilisation force.
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For Indonesia, the mission represents a historic first in Middle East peacekeeping, offering both potential influence and significant challenges in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.
The Indonesian government stresses that its goal is not to engage in combat but to provide stabilisation, humanitarian support, and diplomatic engagement under international oversight.
