Indonesia is preparing to send up to 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of a peacekeeping force under a plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The announcement by the army chief of staff, Gen Maruli Simanjuntak, marks the first specific commitment to the international stabilization force (ISF) envisioned as part of the second phase of Trump’s Middle East plan.
Indonesia to Contribute to Gaza Peacekeeping Force
Gen. Simanjuntak indicated an army brigade, numbering between 5,000 and 8,000 troops, is being prepared for deployment, though he emphasized the mission remains under negotiation. “It’s all still being negotiated, not certain. So there’s no certainty on the number until now,” he said.
Israeli public radio reported that a site in south Gaza, between Rafah and Khan Younis, has been designated for barracks to house the Indonesian force. The arrival of Indonesian peacekeepers would be historic, representing the first outside force stationed in the territory since 1967.
The potential role of an international force has been unclear since Trump initially suggested it as part of his ceasefire plan last September. Several countries have been hesitant to commit troops to disarming Hamas on Israel’s behalf. While violence has decreased under a ceasefire announced in October, near-daily Israeli bombardment continues, and over 500 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began.
Gen. Maruli’s remarks suggest Indonesian troops would play a supporting role, with preparations focused on engineering and health units.
According to a version of the Trump plan presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, an interim administration run by Palestinian technocrats would govern Gaza, including disarming Hamas, with assistance from a Palestinian police force trained in Jordan and Egypt.
The deployment of a significant number of foreign soldiers, particularly from an Islamic country, is expected to face opposition from the far-right wing of Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, who view it as a step towards recognizing a Palestinian state – a state already recognized by over 80% of UN member states. Israeli extremists, both within and outside the government, advocate for the removal of the Palestinian population from Gaza and the construction of Israeli settlements there.
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 U.S. president’s views on implementing his peace plan.
Indonesia’s president, Prabowo Subianto, has agreed to join Trump’s “board of peace,” a group of world leaders intended to oversee the peace process in Gaza and other conflict zones. The board’s first meeting is scheduled for next Thursday, and Prabowo has reportedly been invited. Prabowo initially offered 20,000 troops for the ISF when the plan was first unveiled last September, seeking to elevate Indonesia’s global profile. However, some Indonesian observers express concern about the country becoming entangled in an uncontrollable situation.
A commentary in the Jakarta Globe stated that Indonesia’s participation is a diplomatic gamble worthwhile only if it yields real influence, not just symbolism. The commentary argued that if Indonesia can help shape the board of peace without being exploited, it could have humanitarian benefits, but cautioned that failure to do so could lead to Indonesia becoming part of a larger diplomatic problem.
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