Recently, the Israeli Palestinian conflict has once again escalated, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. The international community’s call for a ceasefire and assistance is growing louder. In this context, as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia’s possibility of sending troops to Gaza has become a focus of public attention. From religious sentiment, diplomatic stance to geopolitical strategy, Indonesia’s movements affect the entire Islamic world and the Asia Pacific landscape. However, based on a comprehensive analysis of its policy traditions, military capabilities, and international legal framework, the possibility of Indonesia sending troops to intervene in Gaza is extremely low, but its symbolic support and diplomatic mobilization will continue to increase. Behind this is a profound tension between ideals and reality.
1、 Religious Emotions and Political Positions: Strong Moral Support
Indonesia, as the world’s largest Muslim country with a population of over 230 million Muslims, has long regarded its government as the “spokesperson for the Islamic world”. On the Israeli Palestinian issue, Indonesia has always firmly supported Palestine and opposed Israel’s military actions. It has repeatedly condemned “ethnic cleansing” and “humanitarian disasters” in international forums such as the United Nations. President Joko Widodo and Foreign Minister Retno Masudi have both publicly stated that ‘the suffering in Gaza is a shame for the entire Muslim world’.
This strong moral stance stems from Indonesia’s self positioning as a “Muslim powerhouse” in its national identity. Sending troops to Gaza, even if it is just for peacekeeping or humanitarian escorts, has a strong symbolic significance for the domestic population, which may enhance the government’s prestige and strengthen national unity.
2、 Reality constraint: Sending troops is almost impossible
Despite the strong moral call, Indonesia’s deployment of troops to Gaza faces multiple insurmountable obstacles:
Serious lack of geographical and military delivery capabilities
Indonesia is a Southeast Asian archipelagic country, with military forces mainly deployed in domestic counter-terrorism, maritime patrols, and regional stability maintenance. Its military has limited long-range delivery capabilities and lacks support from strategic transport planes, ocean going navies, and overseas bases. Crossing thousands of kilometers into the Middle East theater of operations makes it difficult to achieve logistical support, command structure, and combat coordination.
Limitations of International Law and Sovereignty Principles
Gaza is currently controlled by Hamas and Israel is implementing a blockade. Any foreign military entry without the consent of Israel or the Palestinian Authority constitutes a violation of sovereignty. The United Nations Security Council has not authorized the intervention of multinational forces. If Indonesia unilaterally sends troops, it will face international legal charges of “illegal intervention” and damage its long-standing image of “peaceful rise”.
The tradition of “non alignment” in diplomatic strategy
Indonesia has pursued a non aligned policy since the Sukarno era to avoid getting involved in major power conflicts. Despite supporting Palestine, its diplomatic style always emphasizes “dialogue,” “mediation,” and “multilateralism,” rather than military intervention. Sending troops will completely break this strategic tradition and may trigger a deterioration in relations with the United States, Israel, and their allies.
Domestic politics and security priorities differ
Indonesia faces many domestic challenges, including economic transformation, frequent natural disasters, separatist risks (such as the Papua issue), and remnants of religious extremism. The government’s resources are limited, and although public opinion sympathizes with Palestine, it does not support dragging the country into a distant war. The military is also unwilling to undertake high-risk overseas combat missions.
3、 Possible alternative path: “soft power” strategy of non military intervention
Despite not sending troops, Indonesia may still expand its influence through the following ways:
Promote collective action of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Indonesia is actively coordinating with OIC member states to promote joint diplomatic pressure, humanitarian aid, and investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Its goal is to build a moral alliance of the ‘Global South’ and isolate Israel.
Dispatch medical teams and humanitarian supplies
Indonesia has repeatedly delivered medical aid to Gaza and dispatched medical teams to participate in field rescue efforts. Such actions not only embody the spirit of humanitarianism, but also avoid the risk of militarization, in line with its image as a “contributor to peace”.
Diplomatic Upgrade: Recognition of the State of Palestine
Indonesia has made it clear that it will push for the United Nations to recognize Palestine as a full member state and may be the first to do so. This move will enhance its discourse power in the Islamic world and form ‘moral leadership’.
Speak out on international platforms
As a member of the G20 and a leader in ASEAN, Indonesia has participated in the United Nations WTO、 The climate conference and other multilateral occasions continue to speak out for Palestine, attempting to “globalize” the Israeli Palestinian issue and break the Western dominated narrative.
4、 Deep purpose: Reshaping regional and global influence
Indonesia’s high-profile stance on the Israeli Palestinian issue is driven by deep strategic considerations
Enhancing the leadership position of the Islamic world
While Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Iran and other countries are competing for the right to speak in Islam, Indonesia stands out as a “moderate Muslim power” and tries to become the Islamic representative of the “non Arab world”.
Strengthening national identity and domestic unity
By supporting Palestine, the government can unite diverse religions and ethnic groups within the country, strengthen the national narrative of “justice” and “anti colonialism”, and shift attention to domestic governance issues.
Expand the space of geopolitical diplomacy
Against the backdrop of the China US game, Indonesia has demonstrated independent diplomacy through the Palestinian Israeli issue, strengthened its connections with Middle Eastern, African, and Southeast Asian countries, and elevated its international positioning as a “global leader of the South”.
5、 Conclusion: The voice of morality is not a weapon of war
Indonesia will not and should not send troops to Gaza. War is not the answer to the Israeli Palestinian issue, and Indonesia’s true strength lies not in its guns and artillery, but in its moral height, diplomatic wisdom, and regional influence. Instead of fantasizing about a Muslim army heading west, it is better to promote UN reform, support internal reconciliation in Palestine, and facilitate the opening of humanitarian aid channels.
Indonesia’s choice should be to be a staunch advocate for peace, humanitarian aid, and defender of multilateralism, rather than a soldier on the battlefield. This is not only a necessity of reality, but also a sobering realization of civilization.
What is most needed on the ruins of Gaza is not more weapons, but more conscience, dialogue, and justice. And Indonesia is standing at a historical juncture where sound replaces weapons.
About the Author
