The presence of peacekeeping forces in Gaza is expected to deter future Israeli military actions against Palestine.
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Never giving up until Palestine is free—that reflects Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to advocating for Palestinian independence, as the people continue to face a dire situation due to Israeli Zionist actions.
Tirelessly, under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia consistently advocates for Palestinian independence, taking the forefront in every forum attended by world leaders.
Not only in high-profile international forums, but even through bilateral meetings, Indonesia continues to raise the Palestinian issue.
Medical sources in Gaza indicate that as of December 8, a total of 70,365 Palestinians have been killed and 171,058 others injured since the Zionists launched their aggression on October 7, 2023.
The actual number of casualties is likely much higher, especially as Israeli forces continue attacks without adhering to the ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10, 2025.
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Tireless efforts
With strong determination, Indonesia continues to amplify the voice of the Palestinian people. Indonesia supports Palestine anytime and anywhere.
At the annual BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in July, President Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to supporting world peace through multilateralism and justice in global governance.
Then, at the 13th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia on October 26 this year, President Prabowo reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to supporting relief and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, including participation in multinational stabilization missions.
Speaking forcefully, President Prabowo stated that Indonesia is ready to deploy peacekeeping forces to areas that must be protected and upheld.
Furthermore, at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 23, Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s full support for a two-state solution to the conflict in Gaza. He underscored that Palestine must be independent.
This relay of speaking up for Palestine continued when Prabowo attended the Gaza Peace Summit—also known as the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit—held on October 13, 2025, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, following an agreement to implement the first phase of the Gaza peace plan to end the war that began in 2023.
The summit was co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, though representatives from Israel and Hamas were absent.
Alongside world leaders from around 30 countries, Indonesia reiterated full support for peace efforts and an end to violence in Gaza.
At this year’s G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka also highlighted global conflicts, including Palestine. He urged world leaders not to allow human suffering to become the new normal.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, speaking before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague last April, emphasized the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
He noted that this right is legitimate, recognized by the UN through resolutions, and affirmed by the ICJ in several decisions, including its Legal Opinions in 2004 and 2024.
The minister highlighted Indonesia’s participation in the ICJ legal process as concrete support for Palestinian independence.
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Peacekeeping Force deployment
The Palestinian issue has become a mandatory agenda item at every meeting of world leaders. All eyes remain on Gaza.
In every speech on global stages discussing Gaza, President Prabowo stated that Indonesia remains committed to supporting Palestine and is ready to deploy peacekeeping troops to Gaza—again reflecting Indonesia’s total commitment to the Palestinian people.
While awaiting the UN’s green light for a troop deployment mandate, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) are finalizing preparations for the departure of their best personnel.
A total of 20,000 joint TNI–Polri troops are ready to be deployed to Gaza for the UN peacekeeping mission.
They consist of three composite brigades, each comprising three battalions: a health battalion, a construction engineer battalion, and a support battalion.
In addition to troops and equipment for construction, a Hercules C-130 transport aircraft and a Republic of Indonesia hospital ship (KRI) are also prepared for deployment.
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) will deploy 3,650 personnel, the Indonesian Navy (AL) around 5,000 personnel, and the Indonesian Army (AD) approximately 60 percent of the total 20,000 personnel.
Polri has also prepared 350 trained and experienced Mobile Brigade (Brimob) personnel for peacekeeping assignments in Gaza.
The commander of the peacekeeping force, a three-star high-ranking officer, will be responsible for controlling the entire operation—from personnel deployment and logistics to international diplomacy.
This includes overseeing all elements in the three composite brigades, coordinating with the UN, troop-contributing countries, and local authorities, ensuring personnel safety, maintaining the effectiveness of the humanitarian mission, and upholding neutrality in accordance with the UN mandate.
The Peacekeeping Force Commander must meet four specific criteria: experience in joint TNI operations; experience in international assignments or overseas education; understanding of peacekeeping operations; and strong military diplomacy skills.
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Strategic step
Middle East expert at the University of Indonesia, Muhammad Syaroni Rofi’i, views the deployment of TNI troops to Gaza as a strategic step for Indonesia’s defense diplomacy.
Such a large-scale deployment could become a significant achievement, as Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan have traditionally supplied the largest number of UN peacekeeping personnel.
“It means Indonesia could be in the top three if the mission is carried out,” he said.
Syaroni noted that Indonesia must diplomatically ensure that the deployed troops operate under a UN mandate and receive multilateral support for their role and function on the ground.
He also stressed the importance of coordination with major powers behind the plan, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, as well as regional powers like Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, which hold influence over the warring parties.
This step is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s position in the Middle East. Once the mission begins, Indonesia will gain broader acceptance and demonstrate its commitment to international issues—not only through diplomatic statements but through concrete action.
“With the Garuda Contingent’s experience in Lebanon and other conflict zones, I believe this will strengthen Indonesia’s global reputation,” he said.
The presence of peacekeeping forces in Gaza is expected to deter future Israeli military actions against Palestine.
Syaroni also expressed hope that Palestine will gain full rights as a sovereign state, allowing it to govern its own territory as an independent nation.
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Editor: M Razi Rahman
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