Indonesia halts troops deployment to Gaza amid regional tensions

“Everything is on hold,” Prasetyo told reporters in Jakarta.

He cited the escalating regional security situation as the main reason for the indefinite delay in joining the International Stabilization Force (ISF) mission.

The decision follows an earlier commitment by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin to dispatch personnel in stages. While 20,000 troops were initially prepared, the government later capped the contribution at 8,000.

Sjafrie noted that Indonesia’s planned contribution would significantly exceed those of other participating nations.

He emphasized that any deployment must align with national interests and await clearance from the Board of Peace (BoP).

Despite the suspension, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) remain on high operational standby.

Sjafrie confirmed that troops continue rigorous preparations to ensure immediate readiness once geopolitical conditions stabilize and a mandate is issued.

Indonesia, a long-standing supporter of Palestinian independence, maintains that its involvement depends on a reduction in hostilities.

The government has not provided a timeline for when the mission might resume.

Translator: Walda Marison, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak