Indonesia Gaza troops ready for peace mission, King Abdullah visits

Indonesia prepares troops for Gaza peace mission, focusing on humanitarian aid and reconstruction, as President Prabowo meets Jordan’s King Abdullah to discuss international stabilisation efforts.

Indonesia is gearing up to deploy a potential international stabilisation force (ISF) in Gaza, amid ongoing discussions about the composition and mandate of the mission. The announcement came as Jordan’s King Abdullah II visited Jakarta to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, underscoring regional diplomatic coordination on the crisis.

Indonesia’s Role in Gaza Stabilisation

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin revealed that up to 20,000 Indonesian soldiers could be involved in the ISF. While the exact number and deployment timeline remain uncertain, the troops are expected to primarily focus on humanitarian assistance, healthcare, and reconstruction efforts to support Gaza’s war-torn communities.

“We are awaiting further directives regarding the Gaza peace initiative,” Sjamsoeddin stated, highlighting that the final decision rests with President Prabowo.

Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Plan and International Cooperation

The potential ISF is part of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, aimed at ensuring a sustainable ceasefire and stabilisation of the region. Under the proposal, a transitional governance body called the Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, would be established to oversee key aspects of post-conflict administration.

The ISF is envisioned to work alongside Israel, Egypt, and the newly trained Palestinian police to secure humanitarian aid corridors, decommission weapons from armed groups, and maintain stability in Gaza. Countries including Azerbaijan, Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE have reportedly been approached to contribute forces.

Geopolitical Challenges

Despite international support, the plan faces challenges. Israel has explicitly ruled out Turkey’s involvement, due to its critical stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza and recent legal actions against Israeli officials. Additionally, Russia has submitted a counter-proposal at the UN Security Council, reflecting divergent approaches among global powers regarding Gaza’s stabilisation.

Humanitarian and Security Implications

The US mission to the UN warned that delays or disagreements over the ISF could have “grave and avoidable consequences” for Palestinians. The October 10 ceasefire remains fragile, and the successful deployment of a neutral international force is seen as crucial to prevent further escalation and to support humanitarian relief in Gaza.

Diplomatic Engagements Continue

During King Abdullah II’s visit to Jakarta, discussions with President Prabowo focused on the Trump-led initiative and regional cooperation. Indonesia’s leadership role in providing peacekeeping and reconstruction assistance highlights its growing influence in global humanitarian efforts.

The successful deployment of the ISF could pave the way for long-term stability in Gaza, offering both immediate humanitarian relief and a framework for rebuilding infrastructure, healthcare, and security systems in the region.