Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense (Kemhan) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Headquarters are diligently finalizing the preparations for deploying troops as part of a peacekeeping mission to Gaza, Palestine. The readiness of these forces is paramount, with officials confirming that the troops are now fully prepared and can be dispatched at a moment’s notice.
Confirming this state of readiness, Deputy Minister of Defense Donny stated at the House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday, February 10th, that the TNI Headquarters, under the command of the TNI Commander, has meticulously prepared its soldiers for deployment whenever the order is given. “Regarding the deployment of troops for Gaza, the essence is that we are fully prepared. TNI Headquarters and the TNI Commander have readied our soldiers for immediate dispatch. We are simply awaiting the command and coordination on when to depart. The crucial point is, we are ready,” Donny affirmed.
The final decision on the precise number of troops to be sent rests with President Prabowo Subianto. Deputy Commander of the TNI, General Tandyo Budi Revita, indicated that this significant decision is expected to be made by the end of February. This underscores the careful deliberation and high-level involvement in Indonesia’s commitment to global peace efforts.
General Tandyo emphasized the TNI’s unwavering readiness, stating, “In principle, the TNI is ready with whatever number is needed, as negotiations are still ongoing.” He further elaborated that Indonesia is currently exploring several options to actively contribute to peace in Gaza. “As of now, we have various options to actively participate in the Gaza peace process. The definitive decision awaits, and it will be directly signed by the President by the end of this month,” he added, highlighting the strategic flexibility and direct presidential oversight.
Ensuring the effectiveness of the mission, Tandyo confirmed that the personnel selected for deployment will be those with significant experience. Specifically, candidates will include those who have previously served with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), demonstrating a proven track record in international peacekeeping operations.
“I believe we possess ample experience; there are personnel and units who have served with UNIFIL in Lebanon, and these are the individuals we will recruit. We will not be deploying units without prior experience in such missions,” Tandyo clarified. He further detailed Indonesia’s long-standing commitment to UNIFIL, noting, “If I’m not mistaken, we have been sending UNIFIL contingents since 2008, multiple times over. These are the seasoned individuals we intend to deploy to Gaza. They possess invaluable experience in navigating complex terrain and effectively communicating with local communities, drawing from their assignments in Lebanon.”
DPR Recommends Limiting Personnel for Gaza Mission
Meanwhile, Utut Adianto, Chairman of Commission I of the DPR, a key partner of the Ministry of Defense and the TNI, cautioned against deploying an excessively large number of troops. His recommendations aim for a balanced and strategic approach to the Indonesia peace mission.
“My core view is that the contingent should not be overly large, certainly not on the scale of 20,000 personnel. I am confident that our colleagues at Kemhan have their own calibrated assessments,” Utut stated. He underscored the geographical context, noting, “The Gaza Strip, which I’ve studied, spans 45 square kilometers – slightly smaller than Central Jakarta. To put it in perspective, Central Jakarta encompasses areas like Senayan, Tanah Abang, Cempaka Putih, and Senen.”
Utut also raised an important point regarding the operational command structure for these troops. He noted that the deployed forces would be integrated into the Board of Peace (BOP), an entity notably established by the United States (US), which brings its own set of geopolitical implications.
“Therefore, it is my strong presumption – though I haven’t heard definitive confirmation – that the US will undoubtedly be the leader of this operation. After all, the US is the only power capable of ensuring Israel’s compliance,” Utut speculated, highlighting the intricate diplomatic dynamics involved in the region.
Despite these considerations, Utut ultimately expressed his belief that sending Gaza peacekeepers represents the most viable path toward achieving lasting peace in the conflict-ridden territory.
“We are grateful for all the support we’ve received thus far, including the numerous rallies and parades held by our friends in solidarity with Palestine. This mission, however, is the practical, technocratic approach; it’s the tangible way forward to achieve peace. While it may not be as unrestricted or ideal as we might wish, it represents the most feasible point of compromise,” he concluded, emphasizing the pragmatic necessity of this TNI deployment to Gaza.
Summary
Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense and the TNI Headquarters have completed preparations