Indonesia says it could deploy up to 8,000 troops to Gaza to support a U.S.-led peacekeeping effort, becoming the first country to commit forces under President Donald Trump’s newly established Board of Peace.
Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono, spokesman for the Indonesian National Armed Forces, said a contingent of roughly 1,000 troops could be ready to deploy by early April, the Associated Press reported Sunday. That force could expand to a full 8,000 personnel by late June, depending on final political approval from the Indonesian government.
The announcement comes just days ahead of the first Board of Peace summit in Washington, where world leaders are expected to meet to coordinate the new effort led by Trump. The board is intended to oversee Gaza’s postwar reconstruction and governance after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“In principle, we are ready to be assigned anywhere,” Pramono told the AP. “Our troops are fully prepared and can be dispatched at short notice once the government gives formal approval.”
Jakarta stressed that its role will be strictly humanitarian. Indonesian forces are to focus on civilian protection, medical support, and rebuilding infrastructure, while avoiding combat or confrontation with armed factions.
As the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Officials say joining the board allows Indonesia to advocate for Palestinian interests from within, the outlet reported.
Since its launch in January, more than two dozen countries have joined the Board of Peace, though it continues to face skepticism from several traditional U.S. allies.
Established as part of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, the board was later expanded into a broader global body. The shift has raised concerns among Western powers about the creation of an alternative to the United Nations.
Notably, the peace framework, including the board, was approved by the UN Security Council in November.
French President Emmanuel Macron declined the invitation, arguing that the board’s charter “goes beyond the framework of Gaza and raises serious questions, in particular with respect to the principles and structure of the United Nations, which cannot be called into question.” Italy and Poland have also said they will not join the global body for now.
The president said Sunday that members of the board have pledged $5 billion toward Gaza’s reconstruction and will provide thousands of personnel for stabilization and policing efforts. Formal announcements of these pledges are expected when members convene on Thursday.
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