Indonesia & Gaza: Trump’s Board of Peace & Potential Troop Deployment

Indonesia is preparing for a potential deployment of 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of an international stabilization force linked to the newly formed Board of Peace, according to statements from Indonesian military officials. The potential deployment hinges on a ceasefire and the commencement of reconstruction efforts in the region. The possibility of Indonesian involvement emerged following the country’s acceptance of an invitation to join the Board of Peace in January, alongside 28 other founding members including Vietnam and Cambodia. The invitation was extended through a joint declaration by the foreign ministers of several Muslim-majority nations – Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. President Prabowo Subianto has indicated Indonesia’s willingness to contribute further assistance if conditions allow. “If a ceasefire is achieved and reconstruction begins, Indonesia may participate further. We have the National Alms Agency (Baznas), and we have previously built a hospital there, as well as provided other forms of assistance in Palestine,” Prabowo stated, as reported by Indonesia’s government communication agency. The Board of Peace, chaired by former U.S. President Donald Trump, was initially conceived to oversee post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza. Trump will as well serve as the inaugural representative of the United States to the organization. The formation of the Board of Peace followed reports that the Trump administration had sought financial commitments from prospective member states. A draft charter reportedly suggested a minimum contribution of US$1 billion for permanent membership, with exemptions for those exceeding that amount within the first year. However, the White House refuted these claims, labeling reports of a mandatory membership fee as “misleading.” A statement from the White House’s Rapid Response account on X stated that permanent membership would be offered to countries demonstrating a “deep commitment to peace, security and prosperity.” Despite the initial reports regarding financial commitments, Prabowo Subianto has affirmed that Indonesia did not pledge a US$1 billion contribution to the Board of Peace. This clarification came in response to earlier reporting on the matter. Indonesia’s appointment as a deputy commander within the International Stabilization Force (ISF), operating under the Board of Peace, underscores its significant role in the Gaza peace plan. The planned deployment of 8,000 troops, as announced by Indonesian army chief of staff General Maruli Simanjuntak, represents a substantial commitment to the initiative. Questions regarding the Board of Peace’s structure and funding continue to circulate, with some observers suggesting Indonesia may be facing a “political burden” related to its involvement. The Eurasia Review reported that Indonesia is “trapped in the Board of Peace’s propaganda.” As of Sunday, the Indonesian government had not responded to these claims.