International press reports have revealed intensive Indonesian movements to deploy thousands of soldiers to the Gaza Strip, as part of Jakarta's commitment to participate in the peacekeeping forces stipulated by US President Donald Trump's plan. This Indonesian step is the first official announcement from a major Islamic country to participate on the ground in securing and rebuilding the Strip.
General Maruli Simanjuntak, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, confirmed that the armed forces have already begun specialized training operations to pave the way for a potential deployment in Gaza and other conflict areas. Simanjuntak explained that the proposed force could reach the size of a full brigade, with estimates ranging between 5,000 and 8,000 soldiers, noting that the final details are still subject to ongoing negotiations.
The current training programs for Indonesian soldiers focus on humanitarian tasks and reconstruction operations, away from direct combat missions. This force aims to be part of the 'International Stabilization Force' that Trump seeks to form, to be a multinational umbrella ensuring calm in the post-war phase, despite the continued ambiguity surrounding the structure of this force.
Informed sources indicated that expectations suggest the possibility of deploying these forces in areas under the control of the Israeli occupation army within the Strip, specifically near the 'Yellow Line'. This line represents the geographical separation between areas controlled by Israel and those still under the administration of Palestinian factions, making the mission sensitive and complex.
This step represents a fundamental pillar in the new US administration's strategy to transition to a stabilization phase in Gaza, amidst difficulties Washington faces in convincing regional allies to participate. US proposals have been met with outright rejection from pivotal Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan, which conditioned a clear political path before any military involvement.
In a related context, reports indicate that Morocco may be the second country to join this plan after Indonesia, according to information leaked by diplomatic sources. This trend reflects the desire of some countries to engage in the new security arrangements led by Washington to ensure a role in shaping the future of the region.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto seeks through this participation to enhance his country's diplomatic weight on the global stage and transform it into a key player in conflict resolution. Jakarta has already agreed to join the 'Peace Council' established by Trump, an entity aimed at mediating international conflicts away from traditional UN frameworks.
Subianto is scheduled to participate in a high-level meeting in the United States on February 19 to discuss the details of the 'Peace Council' and the role of Indonesian forces. The Indonesian President, a former general, had previously shown flexibility in the possibility of sending up to 20,000 soldiers for various international missions.
Despite this involvement, Jakarta affirms its historical stance supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, as it still refuses to establish official diplomatic relations with Israel. However, observers believe that Subianto's statements about the need to ensure 'Israel's security' may indicate a gradual shift in Indonesian political discourse.
Officials in Indonesia link any potential normalization of relations with the occupying state to the actual and complete achievement of a two-state solution on the ground. These developments come at a sensitive time, as regional and international powers await the success of Trump's plan in imposing a new security reality within the Gaza Strip with the participation of international forces.
The number may range between 5,000 and 8,000 soldiers, but the matter is still under negotiation and has not yet been finalized.
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Indonesia Decides to Send Thousands of Soldiers to Gaza as Part of Trump's Proposed 'Stabilization Force'