Deployment of TNI Peacekeeping Forces to Gaza Postponed
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi announced that the deployment of 8,000 TNI peacekeeping forces to Gaza, Palestine, has been postponed. Prasetyo confirmed that the delay is due to considerations regarding the security situation resulting from the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States.
“Everything is on hold. On hold. Yes (because of the security situation),” said Prasetyo at the Ministry of Defence office in Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
The presidential spokesman could not confirm a timeline for the postponement. “It’s until a deadline that has not yet been determined,” he stated.
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin previously stated that 8,000 TNI personnel were ready to be deployed to the Gaza corridor in Palestine for assignment with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) established by the Board of Peace. However, to date there has been no certainty regarding the deployment date of the nation’s peacekeeping forces.
“We are awaiting developments from the Board of Peace,” he said following a meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at his office on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
According to Sjafrie, the dynamics within the Peace Council established by United States President Donald Trump remain highly active. “The Board of Peace, I think we all know that there is a contribution between President Trump’s plans and the United Nations,” he said.
Particularly following the conflict involving the United States and Israel, along with Iran. Sjafrie stated that the conflict between Iran and the two BoP member nations requires special attention.
However, he said Indonesia’s stance on the continuation of peacekeeping force deployment to Gaza remains oriented towards national interests. Sjafrie noted that this has been a constitutional mandate, which states that the nation must protect all Indonesian territory and people.
The plan to send 8,000 Indonesian troops to Gaza has faced rejection from various parties. One such group is the Forum of Retired TNI Personnel, which has called for the plan to be cancelled. The Retired Personnel Forum believes Indonesia’s involvement in the international stabilisation force initiated by United States President Donald Trump violates the constitution.
Retired General Fachrul Razi explained that Indonesia’s involvement in international peacekeeping forces has only been permissible under a United Nations mandate, not from any other organisation.