Commission I of Parliament: Deferment of troop deployment to Gaza does not diminish Indonesia's commitment
Jakarta (ANTARA) — Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian Parliament Dave Laksono has stated that the deferment of troop deployment from Indonesia for the peacekeeping mission with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, Palestine, does not constitute a reduction in Indonesia’s commitment to peace.
He assessed that the government’s action represents part of a cautious strategy to ensure Indonesia’s contribution is genuinely effective, precisely targeted, and does not create additional risks for troops or regional stability.
“This decision should be understood as a realistic diplomatic step, not a reduction in commitment,” said Dave in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He believed the government’s decision to defer the deployment of approximately 8,000 peacekeeping troops to Gaza needed to be understood within a broader framework.
Indonesia, he said, has been consistently supportive of world peacekeeping missions from the outset. However, every step taken must consider the current geopolitical situation, security dynamics on the ground, and logistical and diplomatic readiness.
Within the framework of the constitution and national mandate, according to him, Indonesia continues to affirm full solidarity with humanitarian endeavours. He believed the government would continue to coordinate with the United Nations and international partners.
“So that when conditions permit, the presence of Indonesian peacekeeping forces can have real impact on creating security and stability in Gaza,” he said.
Previously, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government was deferring the deployment of 8,000 troops that would undertake a peacekeeping mission with the ISF in Gaza.
“Everything is on hold. On hold,” said Prasetyo following a coordination meeting at the Ministry of Defence office on Tuesday (18 March).
Prasetyo stated that the deferment of troop deployment was due to various considerations, one of which was the escalation of conflict in the Middle East that was intensifying.