Indonesia has begun training up to 8,000 troops for deployment as part of an international peacekeeping mission in Gaza, marking the country’s first firm commitment to US President Donald Trump’s postwar reconstruction plan. This initiative comes as part of the proposed Board of Peace and International Security Force (ISF), which would operate outside the United Nations framework.

Despite Indonesia’s extensive experience in UN peacekeeping, including missions in Lebanon, the ISF’s operational mandate remains unclear. Experts and citizens alike have raised concerns about the potential involvement of Indonesian forces alongside Israeli and Egyptian forces, with questions surrounding troop deployment, command structure, and funding.

The government has justified participation by citing Indonesia’s role as the world’s most populous Muslim nation and its support for a two-state solution. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang emphasized that Indonesia aims to defend Palestinian interests from within the board, ensuring peace processes respect Palestinian rights and encourage long-term stability.

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Skepticism persists domestically, with an online petition by Muslim scholars and activists gathering over 9,000 signatures opposing involvement. Critics argue the Board of Peace lacks legitimacy and accuse it of being dominated by the US, highlighting Trump’s vetoes on prior Gaza ceasefire measures and controversial global policies.

Indonesian Army Chief Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak confirmed that training is underway, focusing on engineering, medical, and support units typically deployed in peacekeeping missions. Troop numbers are expected to range between 5,000 and 8,000, even though precise guidance from the ISF has yet to be received.

Regional analysts see Indonesia’s participation as credible, citing its balanced and neutral stance in Middle Eastern conflicts. Indonesia’s religious and diplomatic identity, coupled with prior peacekeeping credibility, positions its forces as acceptable to both sides, potentially enhancing the legitimacy of the mission. The inaugural Board of Peace meeting is scheduled in Washington next week, where Prabowo Subianto is expected to attend and sign a trade deal alongside the troop commitment.

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