Indonesia Prepares 8,000 Troops for Gaza Peace Mission

The government of Indonesia announced that up to 8,000 troops are on standby for a potential international peacekeeping deployment to Gaza, with an initial contingent of 1,000 soldiers ready as early as April.

Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono, spokesperson for the Indonesian Armed Forces, said the military has finalized the proposed force structure and timeline for deployment, although the government has not yet made a final political decision on when the mission would begin.

According to Pramono, the armed forces have prepared a composite brigade of 8,000 personnel following decisions made during a February 12 meeting. Troops are undergoing medical examinations and administrative procedures throughout February, with a final readiness review scheduled for the end of the month.

Officials stressed that operational readiness does not mean immediate departure, as any deployment would require formal government approval and international coordination.

Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry stated that any involvement in Gaza would be strictly humanitarian and conducted under Jakarta’s national command. The mission would focus on civilian protection, medical services, reconstruction efforts and training for Palestinian police forces.

The ministry emphasized that Indonesian personnel would not participate in combat operations or direct engagements with armed groups. It reaffirmed Jakarta’s adherence to international law, non-alignment principles and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.

Indonesia also said it would withdraw its forces immediately if the mission deviates from its humanitarian objectives or conflicts with its operational conditions. The government reiterated its opposition to any forced displacement or demographic changes affecting Palestinians.

Jakarta has requested approval from the Palestinian Authority before proceeding and reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution.

Indonesia is the first country to formally commit troops to the Peace Council initiative for Gaza, launched by President Donald Trump. The proposed mission comes as a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has held since October 10 following two years of conflict.

The announcement signals a significant development in international peacekeeping discussions surrounding Gaza and underscores Indonesia’s expanding diplomatic and humanitarian role in Middle East affairs.