March 12, 2026 | 02:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - An official decision has not yet been made regarding which Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) officer will be assigned as Deputy Commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF). Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the highest leadership of the TNI headquarters is responsible for the appointment.
"Not yet. It's the responsibility of the TNI Commander," he said at the Ministry of Defense office in Jakarta on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Sjafrie also explained the reason for Indonesia's involvement in the highest structure of the Board of Peace-formed peacekeeping forces. According to him, many TNI officers have the potential and achievements to serve as deputy commanders in the ISF.
He mentioned that the country wants to showcase the potential and achievements of these officers on the international stage. "That's why we proposed that there should be senior officers who can accompany within ISF," said Sjafrie.
Within the structure of the International Stabilization Force, Indonesia supports the United States as the Commander. This position is entrusted to U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers.
Jeffers explained that ISF personnel are tasked with ensuring stabilization in Gaza. The forces are planned to be stationed in five different sectors in the Gaza Strip, namely Rafah, Khan Yunis, Deir el-Balah, Gaza City, and Northern Gaza. Each sector, Jeffers said, will receive one ISF brigade.
Jeffers also announced that the first five countries have committed to sending military personnel to serve in the ISF. These countries are Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania. Meanwhile, two other countries, Egypt and Jordan, have committed to providing police training.
In a separate statement, Foreign Minister Sugiono believes that Indonesia's strategic position in the ISF could enable it to contribute more to the well-being of the Palestinian people. "I think this position will also facilitate our goal and intention in sending troops to the ISF," he said on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Read: Defense Ministry Affirms Constitutional Basis for TNI Mission to Gaza
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