Indonesia leads international effort to stabilize Gaza.
Indonesia is gearing up to deploy up to 8,000 soldiers to Gaza as part of the second phase of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement. This marks Indonesia as the first country to commit troops to the International Stabilization Force (ISF).
General Maruli Simanjuntak, the army chief of staff, announced that training is underway, focusing on medical and engineering roles. This initiative is mandated by the UN Security Council to secure borders and demilitarize the area, including the disarmament of Hamas.
Indonesia's move follows its commitment to President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, which aims to oversee post-war reconstruction and a new Palestinian government in Gaza. The board will meet for the first time in Washington on 19 February.
President Prabowo Subianto's decision has sparked criticism from some Islamic groups in Indonesia, amidst public backlash over US involvement in Gaza’s conflict. However, Prabowo stands firm, emphasizing Indonesia’s role as the world’s largest Muslim nation in pursuing a two-state solution.
Israel’s public broadcaster reported that an area between Rafah and Khan Younis in Gaza has been designated for an Indonesian military base. Although Turkey and Pakistan are considering similar moves, they have stressed their deployments would be strictly for peacekeeping, not disarming Hamas.
Despite these efforts, tensions remain high as Hamas refuses to disarm while Israel occupies parts of Gaza. This complicates the mission, as the situation on the ground is far from a stable peace.
Key Takeaways:
Indonesia to deploy troops under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Tasks include securing borders and post-war reconstruction.
Regional tensions persist, impacting peacekeeping efforts.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Source 2026-02.10
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