Indonesia Considers Significant Peacekeeping Deployment to Gaza
Indonesia is actively reviewing plans to deploy a substantial peacekeeping force of up to 20,000 military personnel to the Gaza Strip. The proposed mission would primarily focus on health and construction-related tasks, providing humanitarian aid, medical services, and infrastructure reconstruction in the war-torn enclave. This initiative underscores Indonesia's long-standing commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and contributing to global peace efforts.
Deployment Mechanisms Under Discussion
Indonesian officials have outlined two primary mechanisms for the potential deployment. The first involves operating under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), requiring a mandate from the UN Security Council and General Assembly. The second alternative is deployment under an international organization initiated by the President of the United States, specifically the International Stabilization Force (ISF) envisioned in US President Donald Trump's post-war plan for Gaza.
Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that Indonesia has prepared the maximum number of troops, emphasizing their focus on 'health and construction capabilities'. Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed that Indonesia is coordinating closely with countries surrounding Palestine, particularly Jordan, before making a final decision. The US has reportedly discussed plans for a multinational stabilization force in Gaza with several countries, including Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Qatar, in addition to Indonesia.
Humanitarian Focus and International Context
The proposed Indonesian force would be configured primarily for humanitarian operations, aiming to sustain conditions for long-term peace and support future political negotiations. This aligns with Indonesia's consistent diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including routine airdrops of humanitarian supplies by the Indonesian Air Force.
President Prabowo Subianto previously articulated Indonesia's readiness to deploy '20,000 or more' troops should the UN Security Council and General Assembly request it, during his address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September. While the US draft for an ISF suggests authorization to 'use all necessary measures' to demilitarize Gaza, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the ISF 'shouldn't be a fighting force' but rather provide 'just basic everyday security'.
Challenges and Ongoing Coordination
Despite the preparations, officials have indicated that no final decision has been made regarding the timing of deployment or the specific mandate of the troops, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the establishment of an international presence in Gaza. Middle East observer Smith Alhadar has highlighted the challenging and high-risk nature of such an undertaking, citing concerns over the current political and security landscape and the potential for stabilization forces to engage in armed conflict. Indonesia continues high-level diplomatic engagement, including discussions with Jordan's King Abdullah II during his state visit, to explore the possibilities for Indonesia's role in peace efforts.
6 Comments
Bermudez
Unless there's a real political solution, this is just a band-aid. Don't be naive.
Africa
Finally, some real action! Indonesia showing true leadership.
Mariposa
Another peacekeeping mission that will achieve nothing but put lives at risk. Futile.
Michelangelo
This is a trap. Indonesia needs to stay out of this complicated conflict.
ZmeeLove
Indonesia's focus on health and construction is positive, yet the article highlights the potential for these 'stabilization forces' to get drawn into conflict, which is a major concern.
Bella Ciao
20,000 troops? Sounds more like an occupation force than humanitarian aid. Suspicious.