Indonesia is preparing to deploy between 5,000 and 8,000 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel to Gaza as part of a proposed peacekeeping mission.
The deployment would place Indonesia among the first contributors to the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), reportedly linked to a peace initiative proposed by United States President Donald Trump. Israeli media reports stated that Indonesia is the only country that has made concrete preparations to contribute troops to the force.
The readiness of the Indonesian Army was outlined by Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Maruli Simanjuntak. He confirmed that preparations are underway, although final decisions remain pending.
“We have begun training those who might be deployed. We will be a peacekeeping force. So, we are preparing engineering, health, and other things like that,” Maruli said at the Presidential Palace Complex on Monday (9 February), as quoted by Detiknews.
He said the potential deployment could involve up to one brigade.
“Yes, it could be one brigade, 5,000, 8,000, perhaps. But everything is still being negotiated, it’s not certain. There’s no definite figure yet,” he said.
Maruli did not provide details regarding the timeline or operational specifics.
“We’re just preparing the troops,” he said.
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Possible Stationing in Southern Gaza
Israeli public broadcaster KAN News reported that preparations are underway to accommodate Indonesian troops in the southern Gaza Strip, between Rafah and Khan Younis.
KAN News stated that no specific arrival date has been determined. However, the broadcaster reported that Indonesian forces are expected to be the first foreign troops to enter Gaza under the proposed stabilisation framework.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Indonesia will send an advance team to a United States command centre in Kiryat Gat. The visit is scheduled for this weekend. The report stated that the team will begin preparations for the deployment of TNI personnel later this year.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Indonesian troops are expected to replace Israeli soldiers along the Yellow Line in Gaza as part of the stabilisation arrangement.
Cover: Photo Doc. Garuda Indonesia via Detiknews
