Defence Minister Says Indonesian Military Has Officers Qualified for ISF Deputy Commander Role
Jakarta (ANTARA) — Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has stated that the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) possess a cadre of high-ranking officers with sufficient quality to serve as Deputy Commander of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF).
“The potential of our officers has been achieved, and we will demonstrate this achievement internationally,” said Sjafrie during a press briefing at the Defence Ministry office in Central Jakarta on Thursday.
According to Sjafrie, this opportunity represents a chance for the TNI to play a significant role in global peace-building efforts, particularly amid the Gaza conflict.
However, Sjafrie stated that he does not yet know which TNI official will be appointed as Deputy Commander of the ISF.
“Do you want to ask who? Not yet, please. That’s the military commander’s purview,” said Sjafrie.
Earlier, security analyst and Co-Founder of the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS), Khairul Fahmi, noted that the appointment of a TNI officer to the position of Deputy Commander of the ISF would serve as a guarantee for creating security for the people of Gaza, Palestine.
“For Palestine, the presence of an Indonesian general at the helm of the ISF is a ‘guarantee’,” said Fahmi when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta.
According to Fahmi, the presence of a senior TNI officer in such a strategic ISF position can ensure that every mission conducted aligns with the primary objective of the mission — creating peace in Gaza.
Additionally, this strategic position could serve as a tool for the Indonesian government to ensure that operations carried out do not harm or infringe upon the rights of residents there.
“Indonesia can prevent actions that harm civilians and ensure that the transition of power is genuinely handed over to an independent, civilian technocratic government in Gaza, not controlled by certain political factions or foreign interests,” explained Fahmi.
Beyond this, the appointment also demonstrates that Indonesia, through the TNI, holds significant bargaining power on the international stage.
This status further strengthens Indonesia’s position in establishing bilateral and military relations with other nations.
“Holding the position of Deputy Commander means Indonesia is not merely a ‘field force’ that receives orders, but rather sits at the apex of the strategic hierarchy that helps formulate and direct the course of ISF operations,” said Fahmi.