Indonesian Soldiers Bound for Gaza Begin Language Training
Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers set to be deployed to Gaza, Palestine, will undergo intensive training over the coming months. Approximately 8,000 personnel assigned to Indonesia's peacekeeping and humanitarian force are targeted to be ready for departure by June 2026.
Head of the Public Relations and Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, said that in the coming months, soldiers would be put through language training. "This language preparation covers English and Arabic in particular," he said when contacted by Tempo on Monday, 16 February 2026.
Rico further explained that personnel joining the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) would also undergo various pre-deployment training programmes. Pre-deployment training comprises a series of briefings, simulations and intensive exercises that military personnel are required to complete before being sent to mission areas, particularly United Nations peacekeeping missions.
The training curriculum covers military tactics, land navigation, UN standard operating procedures, emergency situation management, communications, negotiation, and understanding of local culture. "As well as other pre-deployment training adapted to the mandate and mission requirements," Rico said.
The deployment of TNI troops to Gaza forms part of Indonesia's decision to join the ISF in Gaza, Palestine. The force was designed by the United States and was endorsed as UN Security Council Resolution 2803 on 17 November 2025.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi previously confirmed that TNI soldiers joining the multinational peacekeeping force would not be engaged in military operations. Their presence is intended to reduce the escalation of conflict.
Prasetyo expressed hope that the peacekeeping force could de-escalate the conflict whilst ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinian population. "At the very least, we hope this will reduce the escalation of conflict in Gaza so that the suffering of our brothers and sisters is alleviated," Prasetyo said at Gambir Station, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
Head of the Public Relations and Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, said that in the coming months, soldiers would be put through language training. "This language preparation covers English and Arabic in particular," he said when contacted by Tempo on Monday, 16 February 2026.
Rico further explained that personnel joining the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) would also undergo various pre-deployment training programmes. Pre-deployment training comprises a series of briefings, simulations and intensive exercises that military personnel are required to complete before being sent to mission areas, particularly United Nations peacekeeping missions.
The training curriculum covers military tactics, land navigation, UN standard operating procedures, emergency situation management, communications, negotiation, and understanding of local culture. "As well as other pre-deployment training adapted to the mandate and mission requirements," Rico said.
The deployment of TNI troops to Gaza forms part of Indonesia's decision to join the ISF in Gaza, Palestine. The force was designed by the United States and was endorsed as UN Security Council Resolution 2803 on 17 November 2025.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi previously confirmed that TNI soldiers joining the multinational peacekeeping force would not be engaged in military operations. Their presence is intended to reduce the escalation of conflict.
Prasetyo expressed hope that the peacekeeping force could de-escalate the conflict whilst ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinian population. "At the very least, we hope this will reduce the escalation of conflict in Gaza so that the suffering of our brothers and sisters is alleviated," Prasetyo said at Gambir Station, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.