Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian Military (TNI) is preparing to place 8,000 troops on standby for a potential peacekeeping mission in Gaza, a move that underscores Indonesia’s commitment to international peace efforts. The deployment, contingent upon a final decision from President Prabowo Subianto, comes as he travels to Washington, D.C. This week to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace (BoP), an international body established to oversee postwar Gaza, led by the United States. This commitment to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) positions Indonesia as a key player in the complex effort to secure the region following ongoing conflict.
According to Army spokesperson Col. Donny Pramono, approximately 1,000 personnel are targeted to be ready for deployment by early April 2026, with the full contingent of 8,000 personnel prepared by the end of June 2026. Pramono emphasized, as quoted by Kompas.com, that the plan remains “in the preparatory stage and awaits a final decision from the President.” The scale of the potential deployment highlights the seriousness with which Indonesia views the situation in Gaza and its willingness to contribute significantly to a lasting peace.
Indonesia is currently the only nation to publicly confirm its participation in the UN-mandated ISF, which is envisioned as a crucial component of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan. This phase focuses on security, demilitarization, and laying the groundwork for the territory’s long-term administration. The commitment follows a pledge made by President Prabowo Subianto at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, where he affirmed Indonesia’s dedication to contributing troops to global peacekeeping initiatives, specifically mentioning Gaza.
A Complex Path to Stabilization
The formation of the ISF is central to a broader plan spearheaded by US President Donald Trump, who has outlined a 20-point plan for Gaza. This plan envisions the ISF overseeing security as the Israel Defense Forces gradually withdraw from the territory. Yet, securing commitments from countries to contribute troops has proven challenging, largely due to uncertainty surrounding Hamas’s willingness to disarm and the potential for renewed conflict. Despite these hurdles, Trump expressed optimism on Sunday about the force coming together, announcing on Truth Social that countries had committed “thousands of personnel.”
The Board of Peace meeting in Washington, D.C. On Thursday is expected to be a pivotal moment. Trump announced that over $5 billion in pledges toward the reconstruction of Gaza will be revealed at the summit. According to reports, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait are each aiming to donate approximately $1.25 billion, with the United States as well planning a similar contribution. The Times of Israel first reported on these planned donations last week.
Indonesia’s Role and Domestic Considerations
Indonesia’s willingness to deploy such a substantial force reflects its long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause and its active role in mediating regional conflicts. The country has a significant Muslim population and has consistently advocated for a two-state solution. However, the decision to send troops has not been without domestic scrutiny. Recent reports indicate the Indonesian government has asserted that the troops will not be involved in combat roles, addressing concerns raised by some segments of the population.
The Indonesian government has emphasized the humanitarian nature of the mission, focusing on tasks such as providing medical assistance, delivering aid, and assisting with reconstruction efforts. This clarification aims to alleviate concerns about Indonesia becoming entangled in a potentially volatile security situation. The ISF’s mandate covers security and demilitarization, but the specific roles of contributing nations are still being defined.
Challenges and Expectations for the ISF
The success of the ISF hinges on several factors, including the full and verifiable demilitarization of Hamas, as repeatedly stated by President Trump. Maintaining security in a post-conflict Gaza will be a complex undertaking, requiring coordination between various international actors and a commitment to long-term stability. The ISF will also need to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the Gazan population, which has suffered immense hardship during the recent conflict.
The deployment of Indonesian troops, if approved by President Subianto, would represent a significant contribution to these efforts. The 8,000-strong contingent would be one of the largest contributions to the ISF, demonstrating Indonesia’s willingness to grab on a leadership role in the region. The coming weeks will be critical as the Board of Peace convenes and further details of the ISF’s deployment and mandate are finalized.
The next key development will be President Prabowo Subianto’s final decision regarding the deployment of Indonesian troops, expected shortly after his return from Washington, D.C. Further updates on the Board of Peace meeting and the specific roles of contributing nations will also be closely watched.
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