Indonesian Troops to Deploy to Gaza Amid Solidarity Questions

Indonesia to Deploy 1,000 Soldiers to Gaza as Part of International Stabilization Force

The Indonesian government is preparing to send a contingent of 1,000 soldiers to Gaza within weeks, as part of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) led by the United States. The deployment is expected to be completed in two phases, with the majority of personnel arriving on the ground by June.

According to Brigadier General Donny Pramono, spokesperson for the Indonesian army, the first troops are currently preparing to reach Gaza by April. Indonesia has pledged a total of 8,000 personnel to the ISF, making it one of the largest contributors to the force.

However, some Indonesians have raised concerns about the role of the military in the mission, particularly given Israel’s ongoing conflict with Palestinian factions in Gaza. Critics fear that without oversight by the United Nations, Indonesian forces could be used as “pawns” by the US to control Palestinians and formalize the occupation of the enclave.

Shofwan Al Banna Choiruzzad, an associate professor at the University of Indonesia, has expressed concerns about Indonesia’s involvement in the ISF. He stated that Indonesia needs to make clear its position on the conflict and avoid areas that could lead to confrontation with Palestinian factions or Israel.

Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel due to its long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. The country’s stance on the conflict is seen as a balancing act, with officials emphasizing their commitment to playing a “balancing” role alongside other countries on the Board of Peace.

The International Stabilization Force is led by US President Donald Trump and includes representatives from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan. The board’s executive committee has been criticized for its design, with some observers describing it as “colonial” due to its lack of oversight and prioritization of Israeli interests.

The Indonesian government will likely face questions about its involvement in the ISF and its plans for Gaza’s reconstruction and future.

Source: Al Jazeera