Indonesia's ISF role guarantees Gaza safety: analyst

Khairul Fahmi, co-founder of the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS), said the appointment of a senior Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) general to the ISF leadership provides a “guarantee” for Palestinians.

“For Palestine, the presence of a TNI general at the top of the ISF is a guarantee,” Fahmi told local media in Jakarta on Friday.

He argued that Indonesia’s role would help ensure ISF operations remain aligned with the Gaza Board of Peace’s (BoP) stated mission of restoring stability and safeguarding civilians.

Fahmi added that Indonesia’s involvement could prevent actions harmful to civilians and support a transition toward an independent, technocratic civilian government in Gaza, free from political factionalism or foreign influence.

The appointment, he said, also reflects Indonesia’s growing international leverage through its military, enhancing its standing in defence and diplomatic ties.

By occupying the deputy commander post, Indonesia would not only contribute troops but also help shape ISF strategy.

President Prabowo Subianto confirmed earlier this week that Indonesia plans to deploy about 8,000 TNI personnel to Gaza within one to two months. He said an advance team may be sent ahead to assess risks and prepare for the mission.

“They asked us to become deputy commander,” Prabowo said after the inaugural Gaza BoP summit in Washington on 19 February 2026, adding that Indonesia would appoint its “best officer” to represent the country in the role.