Indonesia Says 8,000 Troops Could Be Ready for Gaza Peacekeeping Mission by June
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has finalized the proposed structure of the force and a timeline for its potential deployment, although the government has not yet decided when or whether the mission will proceed, army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono said.
“In principle, we are ready to be assigned anywhere,” Pramono said, adding that the troops can be deployed at short notice once formal approval is granted by the government.
According to Pramono, the military has prepared a composite brigade of 8,000 personnel following decisions made during a Feb. 12 meeting regarding the mission.
Under the current schedule, troops will undergo medical examinations and complete administrative requirements throughout February. A readiness review is planned for the end of the month. About 1,000 personnel are expected to be prepared as an advance team by April, with the remaining forces ready by June.
Pramono emphasized that readiness does not mean deployment is confirmed. The mission still requires political approval and depends on international arrangements.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stated that any involvement in Gaza would be strictly humanitarian. The country’s role would focus on protecting civilians, providing medical services, and supporting reconstruction efforts. Indonesian troops would not engage in combat operations or actions that could result in direct confrontation with armed groups.
If carried out, Indonesia would be the first country to formally commit troops to the security mission established under Trump’s Board of Peace initiative for Gaza. The initiative follows a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that has been in place since Oct. 10 after two years of conflict.
Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel and has long supported a two-state solution. The country has been actively involved in providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including funding a hospital.
Indonesian officials have said participation in the Board of Peace is intended to safeguard Palestinian interests from within the initiative, noting that Israel is represented while Palestinians are not.
Indonesia is also among the top 10 contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions, including operations in Lebanon.
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