Defence Minister Ensures Troop Deployment to Gaza Conducted in Phases

Jakarta – Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has confirmed that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will deploy personnel in phases to join the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for peacekeeping operations in Gaza.

“Yes, in phases, because the number is substantial,” Sjafrie stated during a press conference at the Defence Ministry on Thursday.

According to Sjafrie, the TNI initially prepared 20,000 troops for deployment with the ISF. However, based on several considerations, the TNI ultimately decided to deploy only 8,000 personnel.

“It turns out other nations are only sending hundreds, hundreds each. So we’re prepared with 8,000. But what’s most important is that if the situation doesn’t conflict with national interests, we proceed with the task,” Sjafrie explained.

To date, Sjafrie could not confirm when TNI forces would be dispatched to Gaza. His ministry is still awaiting decisions from the Board of Peace (BoP) and a de-escalation of the heightened geopolitical situation.

Whilst awaiting the deployment timeline, Sjafrie assured that the TNI would continue preparing its forces for deployment at any time. “Our readiness is part of our operational alert status. Usually, the military has disaster alert status, tactical alert status, and strategic alert status,” Sjafrie clarified.