PKS Supports Prabowo's Decision to Delay Troop Deployment to Gaza

Members of the PKS Faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ahmad Heryawan (Aher), support President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to delay the deployment of peacekeeping troops to Gaza, Palestine, amid the increasing escalation of conflict between Iran, the United States (US), and Israel in the Middle East region.

Aher emphasised that Indonesia’s military involvement in international missions must have a strong legal basis and proceed through an official United Nations (UN) mandate.

“The government’s decision to delay the troop deployment is a wise step. The current situation is highly dynamic and full of risks. Indonesia’s involvement must be within a clear framework of international law through a UN mandate,” said Aher in his statement on Sunday (22/3/2026).

The former two-term Governor of West Java stressed that Indonesia’s contributions to Palestine are not limited to deploying military personnel. According to him, humanitarian diplomacy and political pressure in international forums are far more urgent to push for a permanent ceasefire.

“Indonesia needs to continue prioritising active diplomacy and humanitarian aid. Our contributions must have a real impact and be recognised globally, not just symbolic,” said the Chair of the People’s Aspirations Agency (BAM) of the Indonesian House of Representatives.

Aher also touched on the plan to form the Brigade of Peace (BoP) or National Stabilisation Force (ISF). He urged the government to evaluate Indonesia’s involvement in the initiative if it does not show firm commitment to full Palestinian independence.

“If the BoP does not firmly guarantee Palestinian independence, then Indonesia’s presence in it needs to be evaluated immediately. All elements of the nation must speak with one voice in supporting their independence,” he asserted.

Previously, the Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom) on Monday (16/3/2026) issued an official statement regarding the delay in deploying 8,000 TNI troops originally planned for the peacekeeping mission in Gaza.

President Prabowo Subianto decided to suspend all discussions related to the BoP in light of the widening war escalation in the Middle East region. The government assesses that the security risks to TNI personnel are currently too high, thus coordination with friendly countries and international institutions becomes the top priority before any physical steps are taken.