TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) are preparing to deploy a peacekeeping contingent to the Gaza conflict area in Palestine, with personnel to be selected from units that have previously served in active conflict zones.
The plan was outlined by TNI Vice Commander General Tandyo Budi Revita, who said the force would be drawn from troops with prior peacekeeping experience, including those who have served with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
“We already have experience. We have personnel who served with UNIFIL in Lebanon,” Tandyo said after attending a meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
“These are the personnel we will deploy. They are not units that have never operated in conflict areas.”
Tandyo said troops with prior deployment experience are better prepared, particularly in understanding terrain conditions and engaging with local communities. “They already have the experience, including how to communicate with the local population,” he added.
Coordination Under Way
Preparations for the peacekeeping mission are in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to join the Board of Peace (BoP), an initiative formed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Indonesian Army has begun early preparations as part of the broader TNI effort.
Separately, Indonesian Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak said Indonesia could deploy between 5,000 and 8,000 personnel, potentially at the brigade level, although he stressed that discussions are still ongoing.
“It could be a brigade, around 5,000 to 8,000 troops, but everything is still under negotiation. There is no confirmed number yet,” Maruli said after a leadership meeting involving TNI and the National Police at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Maruli said coordination regarding the mission remains under way and that the body leading the peacekeeping effort will later provide guidance on operational needs. This guidance will be conveyed to TNI Headquarters and then to Army Headquarters.
“We are waiting for the results of coordination from those overseeing the mission in Gaza. Once that reaches TNI Headquarters and then Army Headquarters, we will know what kind of personnel are required and can prepare accordingly,” he said.
Despite the absence of a confirmed deployment timeline, Maruli said the Army has begun preliminary preparations, including training programs focused on character development and health readiness for prospective peacekeepers.
