Foreign Ministry's Explanation Regarding TNI Soldiers' Involvement in Gaza
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has explained Indonesia’s position regarding the involvement of Indonesian soldiers in the stabilization force, or International Stabilization Force (ISF), in Gaza, Palestine. Indonesia had previously stated it is preparing approximately 8,000 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers for deployment to the Gaza Strip.
The Foreign Ministry affirmed that TNI personnel who will participate in the peacekeeping force will not be involved in combat operations. This position statement was issued by the Indonesian Foreign Ministry through a written statement uploaded on its official website on Saturday, 14 February 2026.
In the written statement, the Foreign Ministry declared that participation in the ISF is fully under Indonesian national control and is grounded in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025) mandate, Indonesia’s Free and Active Foreign Policy, and international law.
The Foreign Ministry further explained that the scope of duties for Indonesian personnel is limited and specific. “In accordance with the mandate and firm, binding national caveats established by the Indonesian Government and agreed upon with the ISF,” the Foreign Ministry statement read, as quoted on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
The Foreign Ministry outlined the key national caveats, or special provisions, regarding the participation of Indonesian personnel in the ISF.
The first point concerns the non-combat and non-demilitarization mandate. The Foreign Ministry stated that Indonesia’s participation in the ISF is not for combat missions or demilitarization missions. “Indonesia’s mandate is humanitarian in nature, focusing on civilian protection, humanitarian and health assistance, reconstruction, as well as training and capacity building for the Palestinian police,” the Foreign Ministry said.
Second, Indonesia will not be positioned against any party. Indonesian personnel, the Foreign Ministry said, will not be involved in combat operations or any actions leading to direct confrontation with any armed party.
The third point concerns the strictly limited use of force. The Foreign Ministry stressed that the use of force is only permitted for self-defense and mandate protection. “Carried out proportionally, in graduated steps, as a last resort, and fully in accordance with international law and rules of engagement,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The fourth point, the Foreign Ministry said, is that the area of deployment is limited to Gaza. Indonesia’s deployment area is specifically restricted to that region—which is an integral part of Palestinian territory.
The fifth point concerns Palestinian consent as a prerequisite. Troop deployment can only proceed with the consent of Palestinian authorities. Palestinian consent is a fundamental prerequisite.
The sixth point is that Indonesia rejects demographic changes and forced relocation. “Indonesia consistently rejects any attempts at demographic changes or any form of forced displacement or relocation of the Palestinian people,” the Foreign Ministry affirmed.
The seventh point is that Indonesia respects sovereignty and the right to self-determination. Indonesia’s participation, the Foreign Ministry said, is based on the principle of respect for Palestinian sovereignty and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
The final point is that Indonesia’s military participation in the ISF can be terminated at any time. “Indonesia will end its participation if the implementation of the ISF deviates from Indonesia’s national caveats or is not aligned with Indonesia’s foreign policy,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The Foreign Ministry reiterated that Indonesia consistently supports Palestinian independence through a two-state solution, in accordance with international law and agreed-upon international parameters. “The participation and presence of Indonesian personnel in the ISF shall not be construed as recognition or normalization of political relations with any party,” the Foreign Ministry said.
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi previously stated that the TNI soldiers who will join the peacekeeping forces from various countries have the objective of reducing the escalation of conflict. Prasetyo hopes the peacekeeping forces can de-escalate the conflict while ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinian people.
“At the very least, we hope this will reduce the escalation of the conflict in Gaza so that the suffering of our brothers and sisters is alleviated,” said Prasetyo at Gambir Station, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
Prasetyo said the plan to deploy TNI troops is a manifestation of Indonesia’s commitment to Palestinian independence. Currently, he said, the government is discussing the technical aspects of launching the humanitarian mission.