Indonesia is poised to deploy between 5,000 and 8,000 members of its armed forces (TNI) to Gaza, slated to serve as a crucial component of an international peacekeeping mission.
This unprecedented move positions Indonesia as the first nation to concretely commit troops to the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF), a key pillar of the peace plan championed by former United States President Donald Trump.
Reports from Israeli media underscore Indonesia’s unique readiness, noting that no other country has yet come forward with firm plans to contribute personnel to the ISF.
The commitment was publicly affirmed by the Indonesian Army Chief of Staff (KSAD), General Maruli Simanjuntak, who confirmed that TNI Army personnel have already commenced specialized training.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace complex on Monday, February 9th, General Simanjuntak stated, “Those who are likely [to be deployed] have already started training. We will be a peacekeeping force, so we are preparing engineers, medical staff, and similar specialties.”
He estimated that the potential deployment could encompass one full brigade, translating to approximately 5,000 to 8,000 soldiers. However, he cautioned that these figures are still subject to negotiation and final confirmation, emphasizing, “It could be one brigade, 5,000-8,000 perhaps. But everything is still under negotiation, nothing is certain yet. There is no definite number until now.”
Regarding the specifics of the assignment, including deployment timing and exact locations, General Simanjuntak deferred to higher command levels, stating his role was solely focused on “the preparation of the troops.”
Where Will Indonesian Troops Be Stationed?
According to Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN News, preparations are already underway to accommodate Indonesian soldiers in the southern Gaza Strip, specifically in the area situated between the cities of Rafah and Khan Younis.
While no definitive arrival date for the Indonesian forces has been announced, KAN News anticipates that the Indonesian military will be the first foreign contingent to reach Gaza.
The report further indicated that the designated area for the troops is “already prepared,” though the construction of necessary buildings and housing facilities is projected to “take several weeks.”
Crucially, the International Stabilization Force (ISF) is not expected to engage directly with Hamas or proactively disarm its members.
Instead, the ISF’s mandate involves monitoring the current ceasefire lines and, as required, addressing other border-related issues.
Further details emerged from the Israeli newspaper, Jerusalem Post, which reported that Indonesia is set to dispatch an advance team to a U.S. command center in Kiryat Gat later this week to initiate preparations for the deployment of TNI members, who are expected to replace Israeli soldiers along the “Yellow Line” in Gaza by year-end.
The Jerusalem Post also specified that the Indonesian team would engage in discussions with the Israeli military concerning the ISF’s authority and responsibilities within Gaza, including crucial coordination procedures and rules of engagement for the area straddling the western Negev communities and the Gaza Strip.
It was also noted that Indonesian forces will operate outside Hamas-controlled territories within Gaza, according to the Jerusalem Post report.
Their mission is outlined to include securing the initial construction efforts in Rafah and safeguarding potential Hamas weapons collection and storage sites, contingent upon the organization agreeing to surrender its arms as stipulated in a ceasefire agreement.
As of now, the TNI has not issued a response regarding the reports from the Jerusalem Post.
Why Will TNI Be Deployed to Gaza?
Indonesia’s involvement stems from its membership in the Board of Peace (BoP), an international body established to oversee post-conflict stabilization and rehabilitation efforts in Gaza.
The formation of this Board of Peace is a direct outgrowth of one of the twenty points outlined in former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comprehensive peace plan.
The BoP is mandated to create the International Stabilization Force (ISF), tasked with securing border regions in Gaza and ensuring the demilitarization of the territory, including the disarmament of Hamas.
Furthermore, the Board will oversee the establishment of a new technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza and guide the reconstruction efforts following the conflict.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received an invitation from former U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington on February 19th.
According to the presidential office’s official website, Indonesia’s participation in this body carries significant strategic implications.
This engagement is specifically designed to ensure that the transition process in Gaza remains aligned with a two-State solution, thereby preventing the emergence of permanent arrangements that could undermine the rights of the Palestinian people.
Despite these strategic objectives, some online commentators have criticized Indonesia’s involvement in the Board of Peace, labeling it as being a ‘foreign stooge.’
However, Agung Nurwijoyo, an international relations observer from the University of Indonesia, contends that Indonesia’s role in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will, in fact, be strengthened.
Nurwijoyo added a crucial caveat: this enhanced role is contingent upon Indonesia pursuing a clear and measurable agenda, particularly in advocating for justice for Palestinians.
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Summary
Indonesia is poised to deploy between 5,000 and 8,000 TNI personnel to Gaza, serving as the first nation to concretely commit troops to the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF). Indonesian Army Chief of Staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak, confirmed that specialized training has commenced for these peacekeeping forces, focusing on roles such as engineers and medical staff. The exact numbers and timing remain subject to negotiation, though preparations are underway for their accommodation in southern Gaza.
The ISF’s mandate is to monitor ceasefire lines and address border issues, rather than directly engaging Hamas or proactively disarming its members. Indonesian troops are expected to be stationed between Rafah and Khan Younis, with an advance team set to prepare for their deployment to potentially replace Israeli soldiers along the “Yellow Line” by year-end. Indonesia’s involvement stems from its membership in the Board of Peace, an international body created under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan to oversee post-conflict stabilization and demilitarization in Gaza.