Why Indonesia was chosen Deputy Commander of the Gaza peacekeeping force
Indonesia has been appointed deputy commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, marking the Southeast Asian nation’s most significant role yet in a major peacekeeping operation.
This announcement came at the first Board of Peace meeting in Washington, D.C., where U.S. President Donald Trump and ISF commander Major General Jasper Jeffers confirmed Indonesia’s role in the mission.
Jeffers said the deployment aims to provide “the security Gaza needs for a future of prosperity and enduring peace.”
Number of troops
President Prabowo Subianto, attending the meeting, said Indonesia would deploy troops within two months, starting with an advance team to assess risks and plan operations. The country has pledged up to 8,000 troops, the largest contingent of any ISF member.
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that the deputy commander role reflects both the size of the Indonesian contingent and the military’s extensive peacekeeping experience.
“Indonesian troops are also the largest there, this deputy commander for operations is also something that honors and appreciates Indonesia's track record," Sugiono said.
The ISF will operate under a U.S.-led Board of Peace. Indonesia’s forces will be deployed across Gaza’s five sectors — Rafah, Khan Yunis, Deir el-Balah, Gaza City, and Northern Gaza — with an initial focus on Rafah.
Humanitarian focus, not combat
While Indonesia leads the largest deployment after the U.S., its troops are assigned strictly to humanitarian and stabilization tasks, not combat. The government has warned it will withdraw if the ISF deviates from agreed mandates.
Other countries contributing troops include Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania, while Egypt and Jordan will train Gaza’s local police. The ISF’s long-term plan calls for 20,000 troops and 12,000 police officers on the ground.
The Board of Peace also aims to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and demilitarization, a plan opposed by Hamas, which has rejected foreign intervention and disarmament.
Trump highlighted Indonesia’s role during the meeting, praising Prabowo for his commitment and leadership. Members of the board pledged $7 billion toward Gaza relief, a fraction of the estimated $70 billion needed to rebuild after years of conflict.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
