Anticipating Indonesia's concrete action for Gaza peace efforts

 The first meeting of the Board of Peace (BoP), held in Washington D.C. on February 19, marked a significant step in efforts to advance peace in Gaza.

Indonesia, represented by President Prabowo Subianto, joined the inaugural session of the Board, which was established as a transitional international mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2005) to support Gaza’s recovery.

The meeting, chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, appointed Indonesia as deputy commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF)—a peacekeeping mission composed of international armed personnel tasked with training a new Palestinian police force.

President Prabowo affirmed Indonesia’s readiness to deploy at least 8,000 peacekeepers to Gaza within two months, noting that an advance team may be sent first to conduct mapping and risk assessments.

Indonesia’s participation will follow a clear mandate, agreed operational parameters, and compliance with international law and national caveats.

Indonesia also pledged support for long-term reconstruction and stabilization in Gaza, while upholding Palestinian rights and the vision of a Two-State Solution.

ISF Commander Major General Jasper Jeffers of the U.S. Armed Forces estimated that 20,000 soldiers and 12,000 police officers would join the mission, with Rafah—on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt—identified as the initial deployment site.

Other participating nations include Kazakhstan, Albania, Morocco, and Kosovo, while Egypt and Morocco will contribute police forces for specialized training.

Humanitarian Mission

Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel in the ISF would not engage in combat operations, disarmament, or demilitarization. Instead, their role will focus on humanitarian assistance, civilian protection, reconstruction, and training Palestinian police.

The use of force by Indonesian troops will be strictly limited to self-defense and mandate protection, applied proportionally, in stages, and as a last resort under international law and rules of engagement.

Sugiono noted that the deployment has been approved by the Palestinian Authority and dismissed speculation that it signals diplomatic recognition of Israel, stressing the issues are unrelated.

Indonesia’s appointment as ISF deputy commander reflects its strong reputation in global peacekeeping missions.

The ISF command structure consists of a commander-in-chief and three deputy commanders, with Indonesia entrusted with operations due to its substantial personnel contribution.

Participation will remain contingent on respecting Palestinian sovereignty and self-determination.

The Foreign Ministry stated: “Indonesia will terminate its participation if the ISF deviates from national caveats or contradicts Indonesia’s foreign policy.”

Challenges Ahead

Analysts view Indonesia’s appointment positively, marking a shift from decades of moral diplomacy and humanitarian aid to direct involvement on the ground.

Tantan Taufik Lubis, Vice Rector of the University of Jakarta, said the move reflects President Prabowo’s ambition to position Indonesia as a responsible middle power, while testing the boundaries of its independent and active foreign policy. However, he warned of significant challenges given Gaza’s volatile security environment.

Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, rejects Resolution 2803 and the ISF’s establishment, arguing that any international force seeking disarmament undermines neutrality and aligns with “occupation.”

Hamas insists that such forces should only monitor ceasefires under UN supervision.

This stance poses risks for Indonesian personnel, who may face resistance or sabotage if they attempt aid distribution or reconstruction in Hamas-controlled areas. Meanwhile, Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, remains skeptical of countries it views as sympathetic to Hamas, such as Turkey and Qatar, and has vowed not to withdraw fully until Hamas is disarmed—a process likely to be prolonged and unstable.

Lubis assessed that the success of the mission hinges on three critical factors. First, Indonesia must successfully uphold its national caveats while ensuring its participation does not undermine the broader International Security Force (ISF) operations conducted under U.S. command.

Furthermore, the mission’s effectiveness will require concerted diplomatic and military efforts to build trust among Palestinians. It is essential that Indonesia’s presence is perceived as a partnership dedicated to local development rather than a form of foreign intervention.

Finally, the Bureau of Palestine (BoP) must remain consistent in advancing a clear political horizon toward Palestinian independence. Without this strategic direction, the ISF risks being reduced to a temporary "firefighting" force rather than a catalyst for a sustainable two-state solution.

If Indonesia can fulfill its deputy commander role with integrity, it will mark a milestone in Indonesia’s rise as a global peace force, Lubis said.

But if it is drawn into armed conflict or transactional politics, the cost will be measured not only in foreign exchange but in lives and international trust, he concluded.