Jakarta announced on February 10, 2026, that the Indonesian military is actively preparing a contingent of between 5,000 and 8,000 soldiers for deployment to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in the Gaza Strip. This mobilization directly supports the security and stabilization component of the comprehensive peace plan initiated by former US President Donald Trump, which entered its second phase in mid-January 2026. The focus of this phase centers on demilitarization, governance establishment, and reconstruction efforts within the territory.
Indonesian Army Chief General Maruli Simanjuntak confirmed these initial preparations following a security meeting with President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta. This confirmation positions Indonesia as the first nation to concretely pledge troop contributions to the UN-mandated ISF. The proposed deployment, intended for 'Phase II' of the framework, is slated to emphasize essential support roles, specifically engineering and medical units, rather than direct engagement with armed factions.
The commitment of 5,000 to 8,000 personnel represents a significant contribution, particularly amid reports that the United States has faced challenges securing troop pledges from other key allies. This difficulty is highlighted by the reported refusals from nations such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan, both invited to join the Board of Peace overseeing the plan. Indonesia’s proactive role is viewed as a strategic effort by the government under President Prabowo Subianto to secure a more influential position in international peacekeeping and post-conflict recovery initiatives.
The ISF itself operates under the mandate of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted on November 17, 2025. Its core tasks include maintaining security, training local police forces, and overseeing the demilitarization and redevelopment of Gaza. This current commitment follows a larger, initial offer made by Indonesia at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, when the nation had offered '20,000 or even more' troops. General Simanjuntak noted that the final numbers and precise deployment location remain subject to further coordination and formal directives.
The troops are provisionally scheduled to be based in the southeastern area of Rafah, Gaza, necessitating the construction of offices and living quarters in the coming weeks. This operational planning proceeds as the Board of Peace, chaired by Donald Trump, which oversees Phase II implementation, officially commenced its charter operations in January 2026. Phase II focuses on establishing a technocratic Palestinian administration, termed the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and ensuring full demilitarization following the initial ceasefire and exchanges of Phase I.
While Morocco is reportedly expected to be the second nation to formally commit forces, Indonesia’s confirmation marks a substantial step toward operationalizing the security aspect of the peace framework. The ISF’s role is designed to act as a bridge toward Palestinian self-policing, concentrating on border security and facilitating aid flow, rather than engaging in direct combat with groups like Hamas. Indonesia’s increased international involvement is further evidenced by its recent accession to the Board of Peace, the civilian oversight body for the plan's execution.
