Indonesia is poised to contribute substantially to international peacekeeping efforts with plans to deploy up to 20,000 troops to Gaza under a United Nations mandate. The move, directed by President Prabowo Subianto, reflects Indonesia’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian aid and regional stability amid the ongoing crisis in Palestine. Preparations are now underway across the Indonesian military (TNI), focusing on assembling a specialized Composite Brigade and necessary logistical support for the considerable mission. The deployment is expected to prioritize medical assistance and infrastructure support in the conflict-affected region.
Jakarta –
Indonesia is preparing to deploy a peacekeeping force to Gaza, Palestine, under the auspices of the United Nations, a move signaling Jakarta’s increased engagement in efforts to stabilize the region. The potential deployment comes amidst ongoing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The Indonesian military (TNI) is currently in the final stages of selecting personnel for the mission, which will be led by a three-star general, according to TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto. “For the peacekeeping contingent, the selection process is already underway. The plan is for it to be led by a three-star general,” Subiyanto said following a closed-door meeting with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Monday, November 24, 2025.
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Under the leadership of the three-star general, a Composite Brigade will be formed, comprising a Health Battalion, a Construction Engineering Battalion, and a Mechanical Assistance Battalion. The TNI is also preparing helicopters and hospital ships for the mission. “Under this composite brigade will be one Health Battalion, one Construction Engineering Battalion, then an Assistance Battalion, and also a Mechanical Assistance unit,” General Subiyanto explained.
“We are also preparing air assets, including helicopters and a C-130 Hercules aircraft, as well as two hospital ships from the Navy, complete with helicopters onboard,” he added.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the TNI is preparing the contingent for deployment to the UN, following instructions from President Prabowo Subianto. “We have received orders from Mr. President to prepare a Peacekeeping Force under the United Nations. So we will operate under a UN mandate, and this force is being prepared substantively by the TNI Commander,” Sjamsoeddin said.
The Indonesian government plans to send a total of 20,000 peacekeepers to Gaza. The TNI has assured that its personnel are prepared to fulfill the order and have undergone training in the skills required for the mission. This large-scale deployment reflects Indonesia’s commitment to providing substantial support to the region.
“Regarding the readiness of 20,000 soldiers and training, the figure of 20,000 represents the TNI’s prepared strength within the framework of supporting peace and humanitarian efforts,” TNI Chief of Public Information Major General Freddy Ardianzah told reporters on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
“These personnel come from units that routinely undergo OMSP training and UN missions, so basic capabilities, interoperability, logistical readiness, and operations in various terrains have been established,” he added.
Ardianzah noted that the personnel are now awaiting further government decisions, assuring that all necessary criteria have been met. “For specialized training, the TNI is still awaiting the final mandate, but in principle, the troops are ready to carry out the government’s decision professionally, proportionally, and in accordance with national and international legal standards,” he said.
“For the Gaza mission, the TNI is preparing core capabilities in health and construction engineering, which are specifically trained for humanitarian and peacekeeping operations,” he continued.
(dwr/gbr)
