House Commission I Demands Open Discussion on Deployment of 8,000 TNI Troops to Gaza
A member of House Commission I from the PKB faction, Syamsu Rizal, has called for open discussion regarding the plan to deploy 8,000 TNI soldiers under the International Stabilisation Forces (ISF).
The legislator, commonly known as Deng Ical, said the discussion is necessary so the public can understand the objectives and rules of engagement involved, including protections for the TNI personnel who will be deployed.
“This meeting is important so the public clearly understands the objectives, mandate, rules of engagement, and protection schemes for our soldiers. There must not be strategic decisions made with minimal explanation to the people,” Deng Ical said when contacted on Friday (20/2).
According to him, sending troops to Gaza is no trivial matter, as Gaza is an active conflict zone that poses serious dangers to soldiers’ safety.
“Deploying troops to Gaza requires special preparedness, from strategy and equipment to risk mitigation. The potential for friction with resistance forces in Gaza is very significant and cannot be taken lightly,” he said.
Deng Ical highlighted statements by ISF Commander Major General Jasper Jeffers, who indicated the ISF would be deployed across five sectors. In the short term, forces would be focused on the Rafah sector alongside police training operations.
In the longer term, the ISF is targeting the establishment of a 12,000-strong police force and 20,000 ISF troops. According to him, this plan raises serious questions regarding the sovereignty of the people of Gaza.
“Looking at this plan, the ISF would truly control and govern Gaza. The question is, where is the sovereignty of the Gazan people? Is this not a new form of colonialism?” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of House Commission I, Dave Laksono, commented on Indonesia’s appointment as Deputy Commander of the ISF in Gaza.
On one hand, Dave said, the appointment demonstrates the world’s trust in the TNI and affirms Indonesia’s position as a nation consistently committed to international peacekeeping missions.
However, Dave cautioned that all preparations must be carried out comprehensively, from logistics and rules of engagement to troop protection, so that the ISF mission can be executed safely, in a measured manner, and in accordance with the international mandate.
“House Commission I will ensure that every step taken by the government and the TNI in this mission proceeds in accordance with international legal frameworks whilst prioritising the safety of our forces,” Dave said when contacted on Friday (20/2).
At the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington on Thursday (19/2), President Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia would begin sending its troops under the ISF to the Gaza Strip in Palestine within one to two months.
At the meeting, attended by US President Donald Trump, Prabowo formally announced that Indonesia is prepared to send 8,000 troops for the ISF in Gaza.
“We reaffirm our commitment to contribute a significant number of troops, up to 8,000 personnel or more if required,” Prabowo said in his address.
Prabowo expressed optimism that the Board of Peace, including the ISF, could help Palestine achieve “lasting peace,” though acknowledging the journey may encounter many obstacles along the way.