Indonesia is training between 5,000 and 8,000 soldiers for potential deployment to Gaza as part of an International Security Force connected to President Donald Trump’s postwar reconstruction initiative. The move marks the first firm troop commitment to the proposed stabilization effort.

Indonesian Army Chief of Staff Maruli Simanjuntak said training is underway for engineering and medical personnel commonly assigned to peacekeeping roles. Jakarta previously pledged as many as 20,000 troops during remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, though officials now envision a smaller initial deployment.

The force would operate under a proposed Board of Peace structure rather than a traditional U.N. mandate, a distinction that has prompted debate within Indonesia. Unlike U.N. missions — where contributing countries are reimbursed — funding mechanisms for the new body remain unclear. A draft charter reportedly outlines a potential $1 billion payment for permanent membership on the Board.

President Prabowo Subianto has defended participation as a way to ensure Muslim-majority Indonesia has a voice in shaping Gaza’s future and safeguarding Palestinian interests. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, has long supported a two-state solution and has provided humanitarian aid to Gaza, including funding a hospital.

Skeptics, including analysts at Jakarta’s Center of Economic and Law Studies, have warned about operational ambiguity and the risk of entanglement. Small protests have taken place outside the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, and an online petition has questioned the legitimacy of the Board of Peace framework.

Regional observers, however, argue Indonesia is viewed as a credible and balanced actor. Analysts note that while Jakarta lacks formal diplomatic ties with Israel, it has avoided the confrontational posture adopted by some other regional powers, potentially positioning it as an acceptable intermediary.

The inaugural Board of Peace meeting is expected next week in Washington, where additional countries may announce troop commitments.