Indonesia has had extensive experience and developed an impressive reputation for participating in UN-led peacekeeping operations in at least 21 war zones across the globe, including in the Sinai in the 1970s, in Cambodia and Bosnia in the early 1990s and currently in Lebanon. Now how about another mission in Palestine?

Indonesia needs to take the diplomatic initiative to convince the two warring sides — Palestine and Israel — of the urgent need to deploy a peacekeeping force in Gaza.

Amid the growing anger of millions of Indonesians, Muslim and non-Muslim alike — and millions of citizens in other countries — upon witnessing the brutality of Israeli military forces in the Gaza Strip, President Susilo Bambang Yudho-yono has repeatedly and harshly criticised the UN Security Council for being too slow and indecisive in forcing Israel, and Hamas, to stop their war.

It is probably true that the President, naturally, wants to use the Gaza tragedy to boost his own popularity in the face of upcoming legislative and presidential elections this year. But it is also very true that Indonesia should be proactive in upholding and restoring global peace as mandated by the Constitution.

Following on his telephone conservation with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Saturday (10 Jan) and a bilateral meeting with visiting Syrian Prime Minister Naji Otri on Monday (12 Jan), we call on the President to raise the international peacekeeper idea rather than just condemning Israel and criticizing the Security Council.

Palestine has made it very clear they do not need foreign jihadists in Palestine because the presence of foreigners will only create unnecessary problems for the Palestinians. It is therefore strange and even ridiculous that some Indonesians here have talked up going to Palestine to help fight against the Israeli troops.

Though Indonesia does not officially recognise Israel, that country has had direct dealings with Indonesia at least twice. In the 1970s, an Indonesian general, Lt. Gen. Rais Abin, led the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Sinai. Israel and Egypt were both satisfied with Indonesia’s contribution.

Since 2006 an Indonesian peacekeeping team has been stationed in Lebanon, which has been possible because the two warring parties — Hezbollah and Israel — trusted the credibility of Indonesian troops.

We urge the President and Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda to coordinate an international campaign to send UN peacekeepers to Palestine. It could be a complicated mission and, since Indonesia is no longer occupying a rotating seat in the Security Council, more creative measures are needed to convince its permanent members to accept the idea.

Whereas sending jihadists to fight Israel is unacceptable, Indonesia can send its best military and police officers — under a UN-led peacekeeping mission — to help ensure the restoration and preservation of peace in the Gaza Strip. This idea is surely far more acceptable to all parties.

Rather than just repeatedly condemning the UN, and Israel, the President needs to take more concrete steps to end the war within the territory of Palestine. And the deployment of UN peacekeepers is worth considering. This is the time for the President and Minister Hassan to show their diplomatic skill and credibility. (The Jakarta Post/ ANN)