Indonesia's plan to send military forces to Gaza as part of an international peacekeeping effort has sparked significant debate and criticism within the country.
Indonesia's proposal to deploy military troops to Gaza has ignited a heated discourse among political and intellectual circles, with many critics labeling the mission as "dangerous and fraught with risks." The Indonesian government, led by President Prabowo Subianto, is expected to announce the specific number of troops to be dispatched by the end of February. According to General Tanjung Budi Rivita, Deputy Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces, the military is currently awaiting formal directives from President Prabowo regarding the deployment, which is anticipated to include between 5,000 and 8,000 personnel.
The troops would primarily consist of soldiers experienced in United Nations peacekeeping missions, particularly those who have served in Lebanon. Indonesia has a history of contributing to international peace efforts, with its military notably involved in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon. Critics of the deployment have raised concerns about the potential risks to Indonesian soldiers on such a complex battlefield as Gaza, especially given the ongoing conflict in the region.
This situation calls into question Indonesia's foreign policy approach and the implications for its military involvement in international conflicts. The decision to participate in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) under the auspices of the US-led "Peace Council" will likely provoke further discussions about Indonesia's regional roles and responsibilities, especially in relation to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the situation unfolds, the Indonesian public and political analysts will be closely monitoring the government's next steps and the broader implications for national security and international relations.
