Jakarta, Indonesia – Web Desk: Indonesia has announced preparations to deploy between 5,000 and 8,000 troops to the Gaza Strip as part of an international peace force under U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan. If finalized, this deployment would mark the first foreign military presence in Gaza since 1967, signaling a historic step in regional peacekeeping efforts.
According to officials, Indonesian troops will join the Gaza mission to help implement a ceasefire and assist with humanitarian and stabilization efforts. Army Chief General Maruli Simanjuntak confirmed that the final number of troops and deployment schedule has not yet been determined. Selected units are receiving specialized training in engineering, medical, and relief operations to ensure they can effectively contribute to both peacekeeping and civilian aid.
The initiative comes under Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” plan for Gaza, which envisions an interim administration led by Palestinian technocrats under U.S. supervision. Indonesia’s participation underscores its commitment to global peace efforts and highlights the significance of engaging the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation in Middle East diplomacy.
Experts note that Indonesia’s deployment could strengthen international oversight in Gaza while providing stability to a region long affected by conflict. However, some nations have expressed concerns, arguing that Trump’s peace board may undermine the United Nations’ role and expand American influence in the region.
Indonesia’s decision has sparked global attention, not only for the size of the troop deployment but also for the symbolic importance of a Muslim-majority nation actively contributing to peace efforts in a predominantly Muslim territory. Analysts suggest that this could set a precedent for other countries to participate in multinational missions under international frameworks led by the U.S.
