TNI’s Gaza Role Limited to Peacekeeping, Self-Defense – Foreign Minister
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- Indonesia’s Foreign Minister assures TNI forces in Gaza’s ISF will stick to humanitarian duties and self-defense, avoiding combat or disarmament, as President Prabowo commits 8,000 troops.
- FM Sugiono highlights Indonesia’s Deputy Commander role in US-led ISF, emphasizing national caveats that limit TNI to civilian protection in post-ceasefire Gaza, targeting Rafah first.
- With 8,000 TNI troops pledged, Indonesia earns praise for peacekeeping prowess but firmly rules out military operations in Gaza stabilization efforts under ISF mandate.
Foreign Minister Sugiono has firmly stated that Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) troops deployed alongside the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, Palestine, are not engaging in military operations.
The minister explained that the ISF mandate allows participating nations—like Indonesia, which serves as Deputy Commander of the ISF—to set clear limits on troop deployment, known as national caveats.
“We’ve clearly communicated our national caveat to the ISF: our forces will not conduct military operations, nor will they handle disarmament or any form of demilitarization,” Sugiono said during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., on Friday (February 20) local time.
He emphasized that Indonesian troops are steering clear of disarmament efforts or other demilitarization activities in Gaza.
The thousands of Indonesian personnel being deployed in phases are focused solely on humanitarian tasks, protecting civilians, and self-defense if attacked.
“Our role is to safeguard civilians on both sides, support humanitarian efforts on the ground, and follow rules of engagement for self-defense if we’re targeted,” Sugiono added.
He noted that within the ISF structure, the United States acts as force commander, backed by three deputy commanders—one of them Indonesia, overseeing operations.
Sugiono described Indonesia’s appointment as Deputy Commander for Operations as a mark of respect for the TNI’s stellar reputation in global peacekeeping missions.
“With our troops forming the largest contingent there, this deputy role honors Indonesia’s proven track record and the outstanding reputation of our soldiers in peacekeeping operations worldwide,” he said.
At the inaugural Board of Peace meeting held at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., on Thursday (February 19) local time, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia’s readiness to send 8,000 TNI personnel to join the ISF in Gaza.
“The ceasefire in Gaza is a tangible achievement, and we commend it. To that end, we reiterate our commitment to contribute significantly—8,000 troops, or more if needed,” Prabowo declared during the Board of Peace summit.
Meanwhile, ISF Commander U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers projected that the force will eventually include 20,000 soldiers and 12,000 police personnel to help restore post-war stability in Gaza.
Maj. Gen. Jeffers highlighted Rafah—a southern Gaza city bordering Egypt—as the ISF’s initial focus area.
Indonesianpost.com | Antara
