Indonesia is preparing to deploy a peacekeeping force to Gaza, with plans to send between 600 and 8,000 troops. This move is part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) initiative, in line with the proposed peace plan for the region. While the commitment is being negotiated, concerns have been raised within Indonesia. The deployment aligns with Indonesia's past peacekeeping experience and is being pursued alongside involvement with the Board of Peace.
Indonesia n Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak announced on Tuesday that Indonesia is prepared to commit a significant number of troops, potentially ranging from 5,000 to 8,000, to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza . This marks a crucial step in supporting the proposed peace plan. The commitment, however, is still under negotiation. Preparations are underway to train personnel, particularly in engineering and health units, to serve as potential peacemakers.
The final number of troops and the specific roles they will undertake are contingent upon the results of ongoing coordination efforts with those overseeing the mission in Gaza. The Indonesian element of the ISF might ultimately reach 8,000. Indonesian officials have provided differing estimates, with Deputy Defense Minister Donny Emawan Taufanto suggesting an initial contribution of approximately 600 troops, as of Tuesday. National Armed Forces Deputy Commander Tandyo Budi Revita indicated that the final decision regarding deployment is expected to be reached by late February. This will coincide with President Prabowo Subianto signing the official documents for Indonesia's participation. Revita also mentioned that they should announce the exact number of troops by the end of the month, with various options being considered for active participation in Gaza. The Indonesian forces have prior peacekeeping experience, including service with UNIFIL in Lebanon, thus they are experienced in conflict areas. \Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela clarified that any Indonesian participation in the ISF would be strictly focused on humanitarian aspects. Their role would not involve any disarmament processes for Hamas. The focus is on ensuring a clear mandate and protecting civilians, adhering to Indonesia's long-standing peacekeeping principles. While no final decision has been made, the Foreign Minister, Sugiono, has previously stated that any Indonesian force in Gaza would serve as a temporary instrument until Palestinian statehood is achieved. The varying statements from Indonesian officials followed a report from Israeli public broadcaster KAN. KAN reported that preparations are underway to accommodate Indonesian soldiers in Gaza, potentially making Indonesia the first foreign force deployed there. They noted that an area between Rafah and Khan Younis is almost ready to receive the Indonesian soldiers, with the completion of housing and other structures expected within several weeks. The report estimated the number of Indonesian soldiers at several thousand, with discussions ongoing regarding the deployment plan and transportation to Gaza. \President Prabowo Subianto, during the U.N. General Assembly in September, expressed his readiness to deploy a substantial force of 20,000 troops or more to ensure peace and stability in Gaza, with the aim of raising Indonesia's global profile. President Prabowo has been invited to join President Trump’s Board of Peace, which will oversee the implementation of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. He is tentatively scheduled to visit the White House on February 19 for a meeting on the Board of Peace, at Trump’s invitation. There is significant resistance to the idea among the Indonesian public, who favor immediate Palestinian statehood. President Prabowo has engaged with Muslim leaders and foreign affairs experts to garner support for the board, emphasizing its importance in resolving the conflict in Gaza. A January 31 editorial highlighted that Indonesia's role in the ISF and its seat on the Board of Peace would enhance its influence in Gaza, noting that Indonesia’s voice would be more influential on the Board of Peace than in the United Nations. Furthermore, this membership reinforces Indonesia's position as a bridge-builder for the Global South and a credible humanitarian actor
Indonesia Gaza Peacekeeping International Stabilization Force Prabowo Subianto
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