Indonesia Prepares Troops as Trump’s Board of Peace Plans Gaza Cease-fire
The peace plan for Gaza, conceived by President Donald Trump, is set to take its first significant step forward as Indonesia readies 1,000 troops for potential deployment to the region by April. The move comes ahead of the first meeting of the newly formed Board of Peace, where more than 20 countries are expected to participate and pledge $5 billion towards humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.
Background and Context
The Board of Peace is an initiative led by President Trump under a 20-point ceasefire plan that went into effect on October 10, 2025, and was ratified in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026. The board's first meeting will be held in Washington, D.C, where President Trump will also announce the countries participating and their financial pledges for Gaza.
The decision to form the Board of Peace was approved by the United Nations Security Council with resolution 2803 voted on November 17, 2025. However, the initiative has stirred controversy, with critics questioning its potential effectiveness amid continuing Israeli air strikes in Palestine.
Key Developments
Indonesia's contribution of troops to the UN Security Council-mandated International Stabilization Force (ISF) is a significant move, despite stirring some controversy at home. An army spokesperson revealed that a larger force of 8,000 could be ready by June, subject to the political decisions of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
The upcoming meeting has sparked a flurry of diplomatic activity, with the UN Security Council moving its Gaza meeting to avoid a clash with the Board of Peace. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the countries taking part have pledged to allocate $5 billion for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.
Reactions and Implications
The formation and activities of the Board of Peace have been met with mixed reactions. While the Vatican has chosen not to participate, calling its decision 'deeply regrettable', the EU's head of foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, has expressed concern that the board is a vehicle for Trump with no accountability to Palestinians or the UN. Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, also accused Trump of trying to bypass the original UN mandate for the board.
Despite these criticisms, the White House maintains that the Board of Peace is a legitimate organization. It has also been reported that major emerging nations and regional Middle East powers have joined the board, while traditional Western U.S. allies have been more cautious.
Current Status
As the Board of Peace prepares for its first meeting, the world watches with bated breath. The initiative is seen as a test of Trump's diplomatic prowess and the international community's commitment to resolving the Gaza crisis. The board's ability to effectively oversee a ceasefire in Gaza and administer the pledged funds will be crucial in determining its success and the future of peace in the region.