Indonesia named deputy operations commander in US-led Gaza stabilisation force deployment

Indonesia has been appointed deputy operations commander of a United States–led multinational force set to deploy to the Gaza Strip, marking one of Jakarta’s most significant overseas military commitments in recent decades.

Foreign Minister Sugiono said the decision reflected both Indonesia’s substantial troop contribution and the international reputation of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in peacekeeping missions.

Under the plan, Indonesia will deploy 8,000 personnel to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza — the largest national contingent within a projected 20,000-strong force. The United States will assume overall command.

Largest Troop Contributor

According to Sugiono, countries contributing the highest number of personnel are typically entrusted with senior command responsibilities in multinational operations. However, he noted that overall command of the ISF had already been assigned to Washington.

“Because the Indonesian troops are also the largest there, this deputy commander for operations is also something that honours and appreciates Indonesia’s track record,” Sugiono said during a virtual press briefing on Saturday, 21 February 2026, as reported by Tempo.

He added that the appointment also recognised “the reputation of Indonesian soldiers in various peacekeeping fields”.

Indonesia has long positioned itself as an active contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions, deploying personnel to conflict zones in Lebanon, Congo and elsewhere.

Sugiono argued that holding a strategic leadership post within the ISF would enable Jakarta to play a more substantive role in supporting the welfare of Palestinians.

“I think this position will also facilitate what we aim and intend to do by sending troops to ISF,” he said.

Board of Peace and Gaza Reconstruction

The plan to establish the ISF was announced at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, DC. The gathering was attended by leaders of participating countries, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Also present was Ali Shaath, chair of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), signalling Palestinian representation at the launch of the initiative.

Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of the Board of Peace, stated that Gaza’s reconstruction hinges on disarmament.

“There is no other choice but full demilitarization and the disarmament of all weapons in Gaza so that reconstruction can begin and the Palestinian people can have a new way of life ahead,” Mladenov said.

His remarks underscore a central tension facing the ISF: whether stabilisation can proceed without resolving the politically sensitive question of armed factions operating in the enclave.

Hamas Rejects Disarmament

Hamas, the armed Palestinian group that exercises control in Gaza, has firmly rejected calls for disarmament or foreign intervention.

“Criminalizing resistance, its weapons, and those who carry it out is unacceptable,” said Khaled Meshaal, a senior Hamas leader, at a conference in Doha on 9 February 2026, as quoted by Al Arabiya.

Hamas has rejected demands from both the United States and Israel to relinquish its weapons, setting the stage for potential friction as the ISF prepares to deploy.

Indonesia’s Mandate and Role

Sugiono sought to clarify Indonesia’s operational mandate within the ISF. He said Jakarta had communicated that Indonesian troops would not participate in disarmament or demilitarisation activities targeting armed groups in Gaza.

Instead, their role would focus on maintaining and securing a stable ceasefire between parties in Israel and Palestine.

“Create a safe and stable environment, then the next steps can be taken,” he said.

Sugiono further stated that Indonesian forces are likely to be stationed in Rafah, the southernmost area of the Gaza Strip bordering Egypt, though operational details remain under discussion among ISF members.

He also asserted that Palestinian authorities understood Indonesia’s decision to participate. According to the minister, the presence of Ali Shaath at the Board of Peace meeting indicated that “all relevant parties” had been involved in discussions surrounding the mission.

“Palestine was already there, they know, they understand,” Sugiono said.