Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the Indonesian National Armed Forces to ready 20,000 troops for a potential UN-mandated peacekeeping mission in Gaza, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said Friday.
Speaking at the Defense Ministry in Jakarta, Sjamsoeddin said the force would include personnel with medical and engineering expertise to support large-scale humanitarian operations.
He said the contingent is being prepared to treat war victims, restore essential services, and help rebuild key infrastructure needed for daily life in the enclave.
Sjamsoeddin said the mission’s primary goal would be to stabilize conditions long enough for political negotiations to advance.
He emphasized that Indonesia’s participation would focus on safeguarding civilians and supporting international efforts to secure a durable peace.
The minister said no deployment timeline has been set, noting that President Prabowo will make the final decision once the United Nations clarifies its requirements.
He added that the Indonesian Air Force will continue airdropping humanitarian aid to Gaza, following several deliveries earlier this year.
TNI Information Office Chief Maj. Gen. Freddy Ardianzah previously said the military remains fully prepared to deploy personnel under a future peacekeeping mandate.
He stressed that the TNI is trained for non-combat missions worldwide and is ready to execute government directives professionally and proportionally.
Ardianzah said Indonesian troops have extensive experience operating under UN frameworks and remain committed to upholding peace while protecting national interests within international legal standards.
President Prabowo has repeatedly affirmed Indonesia’s readiness to support Gaza’s rehabilitation.
In his address to the 80th UN General Assembly on Sept. 23, he said Indonesia stands prepared to send peacekeepers to Gaza and other conflict zones.
Prabowo said Indonesia’s approach reflects its long-standing commitment to humanitarian assistance and global peacekeeping, emphasizing that stability in Gaza is essential to easing civilian suffering and enabling broader diplomatic efforts.
