Indonesia Sets Strict ‘National Caveats’ for Any Gaza Stabilization Mission

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry (Kemlu) has said any possible Indonesian contribution to an International Stabilization Force (ISF) would remain fully under Indonesia’s national control and would be based on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 of 2025, the country’s “free and active” foreign policy doctrine, and international law. The statement was delivered in a written release on Saturday (Feb. 14, 2026).

“The scope of duties for Indonesian personnel will be limited and specific, in line with the mandate and strict, binding national caveats set by the Government of Indonesia and agreed with the ISF,” the ministry said.

Saideman & Auerswald (2012) describe “national caveats” as instructions or restrictions governments place on their troops in multinational missions—often shaping how effective unified command arrangements can be.

The ministry outlined Indonesia’s key national caveats as follows:

• Non-combat and non-demilitarization mandate. Indonesia’s participation would not be for combat operations and not for a demilitarization mission; its mandate would be humanitarian, focusing on civilian protection, humanitarian and health assistance, reconstruction, and training and capacity-building for the Palestinian Police.

• No alignment against any party. Indonesian personnel would not take part in combat operations or any actions that could lead to direct confrontation with any armed group.

• Highly restricted use of force. Force would be permitted only for self-defense and to uphold the mandate, applied proportionally and in stages, as a last resort, and fully in line with international law and the applicable rules of engagement.

• Assignment area limited to Gaza. Indonesia’s area of operations would be specifically limited to Gaza, which is described as an integral part of Palestinian territory.

• Palestinian consent as a prerequisite. Any deployment could only proceed with the consent (authorization) of the Palestinian Authority as a fundamental requirement.

• Rejecting demographic change and forced relocation. Indonesia reiterated its consistent rejection of any attempt to alter demographics or forcibly displace or relocate Palestinians in any form.

• Respect for sovereignty and self-determination. Indonesia said its participation would be grounded in respect for Palestinian sovereignty and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

• Participation can be ended at any time. Indonesia would end its involvement if ISF implementation deviates from Indonesia’s national caveats or is deemed inconsistent with Indonesia’s foreign policy.

Kemlu reiterated that Indonesia has consistently supported Palestinian independence through a two-state solution, in line with international law and internationally agreed parameters.

“The participation and presence of Indonesian personnel in the ISF should not be interpreted as recognition or normalization of political relations with any party,” the ministry added.

Indonesianpost.com | Liputan6