Prabowo Postpones Deployment of Peacekeeping Troops to Gaza, Asserts Indonesia Does Not Want to Disarm Hamas

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has affirmed the government’s decision to postpone the deployment of Board of Peace (BoP) peacekeeping troops to Gaza, Palestine.

Prabowo emphasised that Indonesia does not wish to become involved in any military actions, including efforts to disarm Hamas.

Prabowo stressed that Indonesia’s primary commitment in deploying peacekeeping troops is purely to protect civilians from attacks by any party.

“We do not want to be involved in taking weapons or de-weaponisation from Hamas; we do not want to participate. We are suspending everything until there is clearer explanation. If there is indeed no peaceful atmosphere, how can we get involved? That is first,” said Prabowo during a discussion with journalists and experts, quoted from Kompas TV on YouTube on Friday (20/3/2026).

Although the deployment of military personnel has been suspended since last week, Prabowo assured that humanitarian support for the Palestinian people will not cease.

The government is committed to ensuring that logistical aid and food supplies continue to be sent to the conflict area as planned.

“What we are holding back is the troops. (Food aid to Palestine) I think that continues,” stated President Prabowo.

Previously, Indonesia had planned to deploy 8,000 TNI troops for the peacekeeping mission in Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF).

However, the Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom) on Monday (16/3/2026) issued an official statement regarding the postponement of the plan.

The government assesses that the current situation does not yet allow for the deployment of peacekeeping troops until there is clarity on security stability in the field.