Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian president announced that his country is preparing to contribute approximately 8,000 troops to a proposed international force to stabilize the Gaza Strip. This significant move reflects the escalating international efforts to manage the next phase in the Strip, amidst attempts to impose new security and political arrangements following the war.
The president explained that Indonesia’s participation comes within the framework of supporting the international community’s efforts to achieve security and reconstruction. He emphasized that his country—as the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation—views the stability of Gaza as a humanitarian and political priority requiring broad collective action.
The statements indicate that the proposed force may include troops from several countries, with the aim of maintaining security, securing humanitarian aid, and supporting civilian institutions during the transitional phase. This reflects a notable shift in the international debate regarding the future administration of the Gaza Strip.
Observers believe the Jakarta declaration reflects the desire of Asian countries to play a larger role in Middle Eastern affairs, particularly given the escalating debate surrounding the potential form of an international force, the nature of its mandate, and the extent to which local and regional actors would accept it.
The move also raises political questions about the mechanisms for deploying the forces, the limits of their authority, and the possibility of reaching a comprehensive international consensus, considering the complexities of the situation on the ground and the political sensitivities associated with a foreign military presence in Gaza.
This development coincides with intensive diplomatic efforts led by international and regional actors to discuss post-war arrangements, including reconstruction, security management, and the resumption of the political process.
