Indonesia has announced its intention to send up to 8,000 troops to Gaza, positioning itself as the first nation to commit to the international stabilisation force (ISF) outlined in Donald Trump’s Middle East peace initiative. The announcement comes from Gen Maruli Simanjuntak, Indonesia’s army chief of staff, who indicated that this force could possibly be stationed in a designated area between Rafah and Khan Younis in Gaza. This commitment marks a significant step for Indonesia, which has a large Muslim population, and underscores its potential influential role in the region's geopolitics.

The deployment of Indonesian peacekeepers to Gaza would be historic, as they would be the first foreign troops to set foot in the territory since the Six-Day War in 1967. This move could enhance Indonesia's position as a key player in Middle East diplomacy, especially regarding Islamic countries. However, as Gen Maruli pointed out, the mission is still under planning and negotiations, signaling that further discussions and potential obstacles lie ahead before any troops are actually deployed.

This decision by Indonesia could have broader implications for regional stability and international relations. If successful, it might inspire other countries to contribute to peacekeeping efforts in conflict zones. Additionally, Indonesia's involvement in such a significant international initiative might also shape its domestic and foreign policies, particularly in relation to other Middle Eastern nations and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.