US-Iran Conflict: Dino Urges Suspension of TNI Deployment to Gaza
Former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal has called on the Indonesian government to suspend the deployment of Indonesian National Armed Forces personnel to Gaza via the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in response to escalating conflict in the Middle East following combined US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Dino urged President Prabowo Subianto to write to US President Donald Trump to inform him that Indonesia will suspend the deployment of peacekeeping forces for the International Stabilisation Force in Gaza whilst reassessing the serious situation now developing in the Middle East. In a video posted on his personal Instagram account on Sunday, 1 March 2026, Dino stated this message would demonstrate that Indonesia is a principled nation with conviction that cannot be taken lightly.
Chairman and Founder of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), Dino said the Indonesian government must avoid the risk of Indonesian troops becoming trapped in complications that might arise from the US-Israel-Iran conflict. He argued that this conflict could impact Indonesia, as Hamas and other Palestinian groups have close ties with Iran. He further noted that Indonesian peacekeeping forces would effectively be under the command of the United States and subject to the control of Donald Trump as chairman of the Board of Peace.
He stressed that the Indonesian peace mission must not deviate from the ISF mandate, even inadvertently.
Israel launched an unprovoked attack on Iran on Saturday morning, 28 February 2026, in a combined military operation with the United States. Multiple explosions were reported in Iran’s capital, Tehran, with thick smoke rising from several areas of the city. Explosions were also reported in several other cities including Kermanshah, Lorestan, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Karaj, according to local media reports cited by Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Indonesia has committed to deploying 8,000 personnel to Gaza. The total personnel to be sent by Indonesia exceeds that of other countries involved in the ISF. The combined force for the mission in Gaza is estimated to reach approximately 20,000 personnel.
The TNI Retired Officers Forum (FPP) also called on President Prabowo Subianto to cancel the planned troop deployment plan. The FPP argues that Indonesia’s involvement in the international stabilisation force, initiated by US President Donald Trump, violates the constitution.
Retired General Fachrul Razi explained that Indonesian involvement in international peacekeeping operations should only occur under United Nations mandate and not through other organisations. He stated: “Moreover, this goes through the Board of Peace led by an American general. This truly offends the feelings of our Palestinian friends.” This statement was made after a FPP meeting in Jakarta on Thursday, 26 February 2026.
Additionally, the deployment of forces on such a large scale must also be undertaken with coordination, consultation, and approval from the House of Representatives (DPR). The FPP contends that the absence of a thorough planning process with the DPR, with the decision made only by the President, demonstrates that TNI involvement in the ISF is not a state agenda but rather Prabowo’s personal agenda.