Indonesia has announced plans to send a contingent of up to 8,000 troops to Gaza, marking a significant step in the international stabilisation force (ISF) outlined in Donald Trump’s controversial Middle East peace proposal. This decision, revealed by General Maruli Simanjuntak, chief of the Indonesian army, would position Indonesia as the first nation to commit troops to Gaza since the territory’s occupation began in 1967.
A Historic Commitment
The deployment signals Indonesia’s intent to play a pivotal role in addressing one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. General Simanjuntak indicated that the troops would be part of a broader peacekeeping mission, although he stressed that final numbers and details remain subject to ongoing negotiations. “It’s all still being negotiated, not certain. So, there’s no certainty on the number until now,” he stated, indicating that the mission is still in its formative stages.
Israeli media reports suggest that a location has already been earmarked for the Indonesian troops in southern Gaza, specifically between Rafah and Khan Younis, where facilities for the soldiers will be established. The presence of Indonesian peacekeepers would be a historic first, placing the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation at the forefront of efforts to stabilise Gaza.
The Role of International Forces
The concept of an international peacekeeping force has been a contentious issue since Trump introduced it as part of his ceasefire strategy last September. While the situation has seen a reduction in violence since a ceasefire was declared in October, the region remains tense, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes resulting in further Palestinian casualties. General Simanjuntak has indicated that Indonesian troops would primarily focus on humanitarian efforts, stating, “We’ve started training people who could potentially become peacemakers. So, we’re preparing engineering and health units like that.”
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and chief adviser, recently outlined a vision for governance in Gaza that entails a Palestinian technocratic administration overseeing security, with assistance from a police force being trained in neighbouring Jordan and Egypt.
Domestic Opposition and Strategic Implications
However, the decision to deploy foreign troops, particularly from an Islamic nation, is likely to provoke substantial backlash from the far-right factions within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. These groups perceive such a move as a threat to Israeli sovereignty and a potential precursor to the establishment of a Palestinian state—a notion opposed by many in the current Israeli government.
Netanyahu is expected to engage in discussions with Trump regarding regional security concerns, including Iran and the ongoing situation in Gaza, as various stakeholders vie for influence over the implementation of the peace plan.
Indonesia’s Global Ambitions
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has committed to participating in Trump’s “board of peace,” a group of international leaders tasked with overseeing the peace process in Gaza and potentially other conflict zones. Although he initially proposed sending as many as 20,000 troops, the current commitment reflects a more cautious approach. Observers in Indonesia express concerns that involvement in Gaza could lead to unintended consequences, complicating the nation’s foreign policy objectives.
A commentary in the Jakarta Globe cautioned that Indonesia’s engagement with the board must yield genuine influence rather than serve merely as a symbolic gesture. It noted, “If Indonesia could help shape the board of peace without being used for the interests of others, the board could have humanitarian benefits. But if not, Indonesia risks becoming part of a diplomatic problem larger than the conflict it seeks to end.”
Why it Matters
Indonesia’s commitment to deploying troops to Gaza under Trump’s peace plan holds profound implications for the region and international diplomacy. This move not only reflects Indonesia’s aspirations to elevate its global stature but also highlights the complexities of involving foreign military forces in entrenched conflicts. As Indonesia navigates this delicate situation, the potential for both positive humanitarian outcomes and significant geopolitical repercussions remains precariously balanced.
