Defence Minister: Deputy Commander of ISF to be Appointed by TNI Commander

There is no official decision yet regarding which Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) officer will be assigned as Deputy Commander of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF). Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the appointment is the responsibility of the TNI leadership at the Armed Forces General Headquarters.

“Don’t rush. That’s the TNI Commander’s responsibility,” he said at the Defence Ministry office in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

Sjafrie explained the reasons for Indonesia’s defence ministry involvement in the highest structure of the peacekeeping force established by the Board of Peace. According to him, numerous TNI officers possess the potential and track record to serve as deputy commander in the ISF. He stated that the country wants to demonstrate the potential and achievements of these officers on the international stage. “That’s why we have proposed that there be a senior officer who can accompany [us] in the ISF,” said Sjafrie.

Within the structure of the International Stabilisation Force, Indonesia is accompanying the United States, which holds the Commander position. This position has been entrusted to US Major General Jasper Jeffers.

Jeffers explained that ISF personnel are tasked with ensuring stabilisation in Gaza. The force is planned to be deployed across five different sectors in the Gaza Strip, namely Rafah, Khan Yunis, Deir el-Balah, Gaza City, and Northern Gaza. Each sector, according to Jeffers, will receive one ISF brigade.

Jeffers announced that five countries have already committed to sending military personnel to serve in the ISF. These five countries are Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania. Meanwhile, two other countries, Egypt and Jordan, have committed to training police.

In a separate statement, Foreign Minister Sugiono assessed that the strategic position in the ISF could enable Indonesia to make a greater contribution to Palestinian people’s welfare. “I believe this position will also be able to facilitate what is our aim and intention in sending troops to the ISF,” he said on Saturday, 21 February 2026.