Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto expressed willingness to send peacekeeping troops to enforce a ceasefire in Gaza, if necessary. At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Prabowo supported US President Joe Biden’s proposal for a three-phase ceasefire in Gaza and stated that Indonesia would contribute significant peacekeeping forces to ensure the ceasefire was maintained and monitored. He also announced that Indonesia was prepared to evacuate, receive, and provide medical care for up to 1,000 patients from Gaza, in response to a request made by outgoing President Joko Widodo.
As Indonesia’s defence minister and the future president of the world’s largest Muslim nation, Prabowo’s remarks at the security conference highlighted Indonesia’s willingness to play a role in resolving the conflict in Gaza. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the humanitarian disaster in Gaza’s Rafah area and advocated for a “just solution” to the conflict that recognized both Israel’s right to exist and the Palestinian people’s right to have their own homeland and state in peace. Prabowo also mentioned the closure of the Indonesia Hospital in Gaza, operated by an Indonesian non-governmental organization, due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Prabowo’s statements reflect Indonesia’s commitment to peace and security in the region and its support for efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. By offering to send peacekeeping troops and provide medical assistance to those affected by the conflict, Indonesia aims to contribute to the establishment of a sustainable ceasefire and work towards a lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As a country with a significant Muslim population, Indonesia plays a key role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and supporting the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.
Prabowo’s announcement at the Shangri-La Dialogue signals Indonesia’s willingness to engage in humanitarian efforts and peacekeeping initiatives on the global stage. As the incoming president, he is poised to take on a leadership role in addressing international conflicts and promoting peace and security in the region. Indonesia’s offer to send peacekeeping troops to Gaza and provide medical assistance demonstrates the country’s commitment to upholding humanitarian principles and supporting the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and a sovereign state.
By expressing readiness to participate in peacekeeping efforts in Gaza and provide medical assistance to those affected by the conflict, Prabowo and Indonesia are aligning themselves with the international community’s call for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The willingness to contribute peacekeeping forces and support medical treatment for those in need reflects Indonesia’s commitment to promoting stability and security in the region and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As Indonesia prepares for a leadership transition later this year, Prabowo’s statements underscore the country’s role as a responsible global actor committed to peace, security, and the protection of human rights in conflict-affected areas.