Kemlu: Indonesian peacekeepers in Gaza would not join combat operations

Indonesia is still preparing a plan to send thousands of military personnel to join the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, Palestine. The Foreign Ministry (Kemlu) said the scope of duties for Indonesian personnel would be limited and specific, following a binding mandate set by the Indonesian government and agreed with the ISF.

“Indonesia emphasizes that any possible participation in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) remains fully under Indonesia’s national control, and is grounded in the UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), the country’s independent and active foreign policy, and international law,” Kemlu said in a statement quoted on Saturday (Feb. 14, 2026).

Kemlu outlined what it called key “national caveats” — restrictions on what TNI personnel may do while serving in international operations. These include a non-combat and non-demilitarization mandate, meaning Indonesia would not take part in combat missions and would not be tasked with demilitarization.

The ministry said Indonesia’s mandate would be humanitarian in nature, focusing on civilian protection, humanitarian and health assistance, reconstruction, as well as training and capacity-building for the Palestinian police. It also said Indonesian personnel would not be positioned against any party.

“Indonesian personnel will not be involved in combat operations or any actions that could lead to direct confrontation with any armed party,” Kemlu wrote.

Any use of force by Indonesian troops would be tightly limited, the ministry said. Force would only be permitted for self-defense and to protect the mandate, applied proportionally and in stages, used as a last resort, and carried out fully in line with international law and the Rules of Engagement.

Kemlu also described restrictions on where Indonesian troops could be assigned in Gaza. Indonesia’s area of responsibility would be specifically limited to Gaza, which it described as an integral part of Palestinian territory.

“Palestinian consent is a prerequisite. Deployment can only take place with the consent of the Palestinian authorities, as a fundamental precondition,” the ministry added.

Kemlu further said Indonesia rejects any attempt to alter demographics and opposes forced relocation. The government, it added, continues to respect sovereignty and the right to self-determination.

“Indonesia has consistently rejected any efforts to change demographics or to move or forcibly relocate the Palestinian people in any form,” Kemlu said.

“Indonesia’s participation is based on the principle of respect for Palestinian sovereignty and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” it added.

Kemlu said Indonesia would end its participation if the ISF’s implementation deviates from Indonesia’s national caveats or runs counter to Indonesia’s foreign policy.

The government also reiterated its consistent support for Palestinian independence through a two-state solution, in line with international law and agreed international parameters.

“Indonesia’s participation and the presence of Indonesian personnel in the ISF should not be interpreted as recognition of, or political normalization with, any party,” Kemlu said.

Hamas asks Gaza peacekeepers to stay neutral

The Hamas militant group had earlier responded to Indonesia’s plan to send thousands of troops as part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in the Gaza Strip.

Senior Hamas leader Osama Hamdan said the operating area for international troops, including those from Indonesia, should be limited to the Gaza Strip’s borders. Hamas also said the force’s tasks must be clarified — including preventing Israeli military aggression and stopping violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The ISF is a multinational security and peacekeeping force mandated by the United Nations. It was established as part of a Gaza peace plan designed by the United States and agreed to by Israel and Hamas in late 2025.

Indonesia has said it is preparing to deploy around 5,000 to 8,000 TNI personnel to Gaza as members of the peacekeeping force.

As a result, Indonesia is seen as likely to become the first country to contribute to the International Stabilization Force (ISF), in line with the peace plan of United States President Donald Trump.

Indonesianpost.com | Detik