Indonesia Prepares 1,000 Troops For Potential Gaza Peacekeeping Mission By April

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will make the final call on whether to send the troops.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Indonesia is preparing 1,000 troops for possible deployment to Gaza by early April as part of a proposed multinational peacekeeping force, the country's army spokesperson said Monday. The departure schedule remains subject to political decisions and international mechanisms. Jakarta has long championed Palestinian rights and independence, and the proposed peacekeeping force forms part of broader international efforts to stabilize Gaza.

Why it matters

Indonesia's willingness to contribute troops signals its desire to play a significant role in international efforts to bring peace to Gaza following months of devastating fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The deployment carries a non-combatant, humanitarian mandate and can only happen if the Palestinian Authority gives consent.

The details

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will make the final call on whether to send the troops, and the military will have 8,000 soldiers ready for deployment by June. The announcement comes as Prabowo prepares to head to Washington this week for the first official meeting of the Board of Peace, which US President Donald Trump chairs. A United Nations Security Council resolution endorsed the board's creation as part of the Trump administration's plan to end the war in Gaza.

  • Indonesia is preparing 1,000 troops for possible deployment to Gaza by early April.
  • The military will have 8,000 soldiers ready for deployment by June.

The players

Prabowo Subianto

The President of Indonesia who will make the final call on whether to send the troops to Gaza.

Donny Pramono

The spokesperson for the Indonesian army who announced the troop preparations.

Donald Trump

The US President who chairs the Board of Peace, which is part of the international efforts to end the war in Gaza.

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What they’re saying

“The departure schedule remains entirely subject to the political decisions of the state and applicable international mechanisms.”

— Donny Pramono, Indonesian army spokesperson (naijanews.com)

“Indonesia consistently rejects all attempts at demographic change or the forced displacement or relocation of the Palestinian people in any form.”

— Indonesian foreign ministry (naijanews.com)

What’s next

The actual mission depends on multiple factors, including international approval, Palestinian consent, and President Prabowo's final authorization.

The takeaway

Indonesia's willingness to contribute troops to a potential Gaza peacekeeping mission signals its continued commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and independence, despite its longstanding refusal to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel. The deployment could play a significant role in international efforts to stabilize the region following months of conflict.