Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 20,000 troops as part of a planned international stabilisation force (ISF) in Gaza, focusing on humanitarian aid, healthcare, and reconstruction, the Indonesian Defence Ministry announced on November 14, 2025. The announcement coincided with the state visit of Jordan’s King Abdullah II to Jakarta, where discussions with President Prabowo Subianto included the US-led Gaza plan.

Indonesia’s Humanitarian Role in Gaza

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that if Indonesian troops are deployed, their primary tasks would include medical assistance, rebuilding infrastructure, and facilitating humanitarian relief.

“We are waiting for further decisions on Gaza peace action,” Sjamsoeddin said, emphasizing that the final deployment decision rests with President Prabowo.

The potential deployment follows the United States’ 20-point plan for Gaza, proposed by President Donald Trump, which envisions an ISF to maintain a long-term ceasefire in the Palestinian territory.

International Coordination and Controversies

The ISF plan is still under negotiation, with uncertainties surrounding its composition and mandate. The US has consulted countries including Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Egypt, the UAE, and Qatar about contributing forces. However, Israel has rejected the participation of Turkey, citing its criticisms of Israeli policies and its recent issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli officials for alleged genocide.

The plan also proposes a two-year mandate for a transitional governance body in Gaza, called the Board of Peace, which Trump would chair. The ISF would secure humanitarian corridors, border regions, and oversee the decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups, although Hamas has not agreed to demilitarisation.

Challenges at the United Nations

The US circulated a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, which faced pushback when Russia submitted a counter-proposal. A spokesperson for the US mission warned that attempts to undermine the resolution could have “grave, tangible and entirely avoidable consequences” for Palestinians if the October 10 ceasefire breaks down.

President Trump expressed optimism that a US-coordinated ISF could be deployed “very soon”, highlighting the urgency amid Gaza’s ongoing humanitarian crisis after more than two years of conflict.

Humanitarian Implications

The potential Indonesian deployment signals a shift toward multinational cooperation in Gaza, with a focus on civilian safety and infrastructure rebuilding. Analysts note that the ISF could play a pivotal role in stabilising the region, providing essential support to Palestinian communities devastated by years of conflict.