
Indonesia plans to deploy thousands of troops for Gaza peacekeeping mission
Indonesia plans to deploy thousands of troops for Gaza peacekeeping mission
- Indonesia's army is preparing to deploy up to 8,000 troops for a possible peacekeeping mission in Gaza, with a focus on engineering and medical units.
- The plan, announced by Army Chief of Staff Maruli Simanjuntak, is contingent on further military coordination.
- This initiative reflects President Prabowo Subianto's aim to enhance Indonesia's role in global peacekeeping efforts.
Story
Indonesia, renowned as the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, has increased its diplomatic focus on the ongoing situation in Gaza in the wake of rising conflict. On February 9, 2026, Army Chief of Staff Maruli Simanjuntak announced that the Indonesian military is working towards preparing as many as 8,000 troops for potential inclusion in a peacekeeping mission aimed at stabilizing the region. This development follows a joint military-police leadership meeting that emphasized the need for Indonesia's involvement in global peace efforts. The proposed troop deployment would prioritize engineering and medical units, showcasing Indonesia's intent to contribute significantly to international security initiatives. The military's plan remains tentative as the final numbers and timing for troop deployment will depend on further coordination within the military chain of command. President Prabowo Subianto has underscored Indonesia's commitment to playing a greater role in peacekeeping measures and post-conflict stabilization, demonstrating a proactive stance in addressing regional instability. Prabowo has been vocal about Indonesia's readiness to support peacekeeping missions during international forums, most notably during a United Nations General Assembly meeting in September 2025, where he declared Indonesia's capability to deploy “20,000 or even more” troops for peace efforts either in Gaza or other suitable locations. This highlights Indonesia's ambition to enhance its global influence and efficacy in peacekeeping operations, further evidenced by its participation in a summit in Egypt focused on Gaza's future led by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi. As Indonesia gears up to take a substantive role within international peacekeeping contexts, the country's actions reflect a strategic decision to cultivate a stronger presence on the global stage while contributing effectively to ongoing humanitarian and security challenges. The timeline for troop deployment remains uncertain but signifies a significant moment in Indonesia's military diplomacy, which may set a precedent for similar future missions.