In the wake of renewed violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have reportedly claimed over 400 lives since a fragile truce collapsed on March 23, 2025, Indonesia has emerged as a vocal advocate for immediate international intervention. With a death toll in the region surpassing 47,000 over the past 17 months—potentially as high as 64,000 according to estimates by The Lancet—the urgency for a sustainable resolution has never been clearer. As images of Palestinian families fleeing makeshift displacement camps in central Gaza City flood global media, Jakarta is positioning itself not just as a diplomatic supporter of Palestinian statehood, but as a potential contributor to on-the-ground peacekeeping efforts.
Escalating Violence and a Collapsed Truce
The latest wave of Israeli airstrikes, which began just days ago, has intensified an already catastrophic situation in Gaza. Reports indicate that 174 of the 400 recent fatalities were children, a grim statistic that underscores the disproportionate impact on civilians. This surge in violence follows the breakdown of a tenuous ceasefire, reigniting a conflict that has raged for over a year and a half. The international community, despite repeated calls for de-escalation, has struggled to broker a lasting peace, with efforts by the United Nations and independent mediators repeatedly thwarted by local political dynamics and entrenched animosities. 
Indonesia, a long-standing supporter of Palestinian self-determination, has watched these developments with growing alarm. The country’s leadership, under President Prabowo Subianto, sees the current crisis as a critical juncture—one that demands more than rhetorical condemnation. Drawing on its historical commitment to anti-colonial struggles, Jakarta is advocating for a robust, coordinated international response to halt what many describe as a war of attrition.
A New Role for Indonesia’s Military
Central to Indonesia’s renewed push for involvement is a recent revision of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Law, which has expanded the operational scope of the country’s armed forces. This legislative change offers a unique opportunity for Jakarta to deploy what could be its largest contingent of peacekeepers to date, provided a credible international mandate is established. Such a move would not only signal Indonesia’s commitment to global peacekeeping but also provide a constructive outlet for a military apparatus that some critics have described as underutilized in recent years.
However, any deployment must be carefully calibrated to avoid exacerbating tensions. Analysts suggest that Indonesian peacekeepers, if sent to the Middle East, would need to operate under strict neutrality, focusing on humanitarian assistance and civilian protection rather than direct engagement with belligerents. The government in Jakarta is reportedly exploring partnerships with like-minded nations to ensure that any mission aligns with broader efforts to secure a just and lasting peace.
Preventing Annexation and Supporting Palestinian Unity
Beyond military contributions, Indonesia is also emphasizing the importance of diplomatic safeguards to prevent further escalation. A key concern is the potential for Israel to seize control of Gaza in the absence of Hamas, a scenario that could amount to de facto annexation. Jakarta is urging the international community to establish guarantees against such an outcome, advocating for a supervised transition that prioritizes inclusive governance and legitimate Palestinian representation.
In this context, a recent appeal by Fatah for Hamas to relinquish exclusive control over Gaza and support a reunified leadership under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has gained traction. Indonesian officials have signaled strong support for this proposal, arguing that a united Palestinian front is essential for meaningful negotiations. By publicly endorsing this call, Jakarta hopes to bolster diplomatic efforts aimed at consolidating Palestinian authority, rather than deepening internal divisions.
Historical Commitment and the Bandung Spirit
As Indonesia prepares to mark another significant anniversary of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung, West Java, the Gaza crisis serves as a poignant reminder of the country’s foundational principles. The Bandung Conference, a landmark event in the post-colonial era, championed self-determination, decolonization, and peace—values that remain central to Indonesia’s foreign policy. With Palestine often described as one of the last post-colonial nations still under occupation, Jakarta views the struggle for its liberation as a shared responsibility, not a burden to be borne solely by the warring parties.
This historical perspective informs Indonesia’s current stance, which combines moral outrage with pragmatic proposals. By invoking the spirit of Bandung, the government seeks to rally international support for a cause that transcends regional boundaries. The call for collective action is not merely symbolic; it reflects a belief that global solidarity, forged in the aftermath of colonial struggles, can still yield tangible results.
Challenges of International Mediation
Despite Indonesia’s ambitions, the path to peace in Gaza remains fraught with obstacles. Past attempts at external mediation have faltered due to a lack of political will on the ground, as well as competing priorities among key stakeholders. The prioritization of retribution over reconciliation has repeatedly undermined ceasefire agreements, leaving negotiators and goodwill ambassadors with little to show for their efforts. If Indonesia is to play a meaningful role, it must navigate these challenges with a clear-eyed understanding of the region’s complexities.
One potential hurdle is the perception of bias. While Indonesia’s support for Palestinian statehood is well-documented, any peacekeeping or diplomatic initiative must be perceived as impartial to gain traction with all parties. Jakarta will need to work closely with international partners, including neutral mediators, to ensure that its contributions are seen as constructive rather than partisan. Additionally, the logistical and financial demands of deploying a large peacekeeping contingent could strain resources, necessitating robust support from the United Nations or other multilateral bodies.
Global Responsibility in Question
The Gaza conflict is not merely a regional issue; it is a test of the international community’s resolve to uphold shared values of justice and humanity. Indonesia’s call for action challenges other nations to move beyond platitudes and commit to concrete measures. Whether through peacekeeping missions, diplomatic pressure, or humanitarian aid, the burden of ending this cycle of violence must be distributed across borders. Jakarta’s willingness to step forward could inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of accountability and engagement.
Yet, the effectiveness of such efforts hinges on coordination. A fragmented response, where individual nations pursue competing agendas, risks further destabilizing an already volatile situation. Indonesia’s proposal for a coherent, internationally backed strategy offers a potential blueprint, but its success depends on the willingness of major powers to set aside geopolitical rivalries in favor of a common goal.
A Path Forward Amidst Uncertainty
As the death toll in Gaza continues to climb, the urgency of Indonesia’s appeal resonates with a global audience weary of endless conflict. The images of Palestinian women and children fleeing airstrikes serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction. While Jakarta’s push for peacekeeping and diplomatic unity is a step in the right direction, it is but one piece of a much larger puzzle. The road to peace remains uncertain, and questions linger about whether the international community can muster the collective will to enact meaningful change.
For now, Indonesia stands ready to answer the call, drawing on its historical legacy and contemporary capabilities to advocate for a future where both Palestinians and Israelis can live without the shadow of violence. Whether this vision becomes reality depends on the actions taken in the weeks and months ahead—actions that must prioritize humanity over hostility.
