Indonesia Prepares 1,000 Soldiers for UN Peacekeeping in Gaza by April

Indonesia is preparing to deploy 1,000 troops to Gaza by early April as part of a proposed multinational peacekeeping mission, according to the Indonesian Army spokesperson, Donny Pramono. The final decision on deployment rests with President Prabowo Subianto, who is expected to confirm the schedule. By June, a total of 8,000 Indonesian soldiers will be ready for potential deployment if required.

Pramono emphasized that the deployment timeline depends entirely on political decisions and relevant international mechanisms. The announcement comes ahead of President Subianto’s official trip to Washington for the first meeting of the Board of Peace, chaired by US President Donald Trump. This board was established under a UN Security Council resolution as part of efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry clarified that participation in the UN-mandated International Stabilization Force in Gaza does not imply normalization of diplomatic relations with any party. Indonesia does not recognize Israel and maintains its stance in support of Palestinian sovereignty.

The ministry highlighted that Indonesia opposes any forced displacement or demographic changes affecting the Palestinian people. The planned troop deployment will have a non-combat, humanitarian mandate, requiring the consent of the Palestinian Authority. Indonesian forces will not have the authority to demilitarize any group involved in the conflict.

This deployment marks a significant contribution by Indonesia to international peacekeeping while reaffirming its long-standing support for Palestinian rights.