Indonesia Commits Troops to Gaza Peacekeeping Force Under Trump Plan, First Nation to Pledge Support
Indonesia has become the first country to formally commit troops to an international stabilization force (ISF) in Gaza, as part of former President Donald Trump’s proposed Middle East peace plan. The announcement, made by Indonesian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak, signals a potentially historic shift in the region, though significant uncertainties remain regarding the mission’s scope and timeline.
The planned deployment, potentially involving between 5,000 and 8,000 soldiers, would mark the first external military presence in Gaza since 1967. This move places the world’s most populous Islamic nation at the epicenter of one of the Middle East’s most enduring conflicts. Israeli public radio reported Tuesday that a location in southern Gaza, situated between Rafah and Khan Younis, has been tentatively designated as a site for barracks to house the Indonesian contingent.
While the details are still under negotiation, Gen. Simanjuntak emphasized the preliminary nature of the commitment. “It’s all still being negotiated, not certain. So there’s no certainty on the number until now,” he stated. The potential role of the international stabilization force has remained largely undefined since Trump initially proposed it as part of a ceasefire agreement last September. Several nations have expressed reservations about deploying troops to potentially disarm Hamas on Israel’s behalf.
Despite a ceasefire declared in October, violence persists in Gaza, with near-daily Israeli bombardment resulting in the deaths of over 500 Palestinians since the truce. Gen. Simanjuntak indicated that Indonesian troops would likely focus on a supporting role, with an emphasis on humanitarian and engineering assistance. “We’ve started training people who could potentially become peacemakers. So, we’re preparing engineering and health units like that,” he explained.
The Trump plan, further detailed by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, envisions an interim Palestinian administration led by technocrats assuming daily governance of Gaza. This administration would be tasked with disarming Hamas, aided by a Palestinian police force trained in Jordan and Egypt.
Jared Kushner outlines ‘board of peace’ plans for redevelopment of Gaza – video
However, the deployment of a substantial foreign military force, particularly from an Islamic country, is expected to face strong opposition from the far-right wing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. These factions view such a deployment as a step toward recognizing a Palestinian state, which is already acknowledged by over 80% of UN member states. Extremist elements within Israel advocate for the displacement of the Palestinian population and the construction of Israeli settlements in Gaza.
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington on Tuesday to discuss Iran, Gaza, and other regional issues, as various actors attempt to influence the US president’s approach to implementing his peace plan. Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has also agreed to join a “board of peace” assembled by Trump, intended to oversee the peace process in Gaza and potentially other conflict zones. The board’s inaugural meeting is slated for next Thursday, and President Subianto has reportedly received an invitation.
President Subianto initially offered 20,000 troops for the ISF when the plan was first unveiled last September, demonstrating a desire to elevate Indonesia’s international profile. However, concerns are growing among some Indonesian observers about the potential for the country to become entangled in an uncontrollable situation.
“Ultimately, Indonesia’s decision to join Trump’s [board of peace] is a diplomatic gamble that is only worthwhile if it produces real influence rather than mere symbolism,” a commentary in the Jakarta Globe asserted. The commentary argued that Indonesia could contribute positively to humanitarian efforts if it can shape the board’s direction without being exploited for the interests of others. “If not, Indonesia risks becoming part of a diplomatic problem larger than the conflict it seeks to end.”
