February 19, 2026 | 07:48 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's planned participation in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) to be deployed in Gaza has received approval from Palestinian authorities. According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela, the Palestinian side has been informed and approved of the plan since it aligns with Indonesia's humanitarian mission.
"We are doing this with the consent of the Palestinian side. Thus, it becomes a part of Indonesia's involvement in the ISF," Nabyl said during a press conference on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The ministry stressed that Palestine's approval was the primary prerequisite for Indonesia, adding that the troops would only be deployed in Gaza—an integral part of the Palestinian territory.
Deployment Plan and Preparation Status
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi announced on February 10 that Indonesia plans to send around 8,000 personnel to join the mission in Gaza.
But the Indonesian government said it's working to prepare the troops, and awaiting the international agreement will serve as the operational basis. Indonesian Army Chief of Staff Maruli Simanjuntak had previously mentioned that the military is preparing troops for the peace mission in Gaza.
Indonesia has yet to announce the departure schedule for the troops, including the operational mandate, duration of deployment, placement, and on-site implementation mechanisms.
The ISF is planned to operate under the Board of Peace established by U.S. President Donald Trump and was approved by the United Nations Security Council through Resolution 2803 on November 17, 2025.
Humanitarian Mandate and State Control
The ministry also emphasized that the deployment of Indonesian troops in the ISF will remain under state control. This assignment is based on the mandate of the UN Security Council, the principle of active and independent foreign policy, as well as international law.
The scope of the Indonesian personnel's duties is said to be limited and specific, including the protection of civilians, the distribution of humanitarian aid and healthcare services, support for reconstruction, and the training and strengthening of Palestinian police capacities.
"Indonesia's participation is not for combat nor demilitarization missions," as stated by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressing that Indonesia will not be involved in any actions that lead to direct armed confrontation.
The use of force by Indonesian troops is also limited to self-defense and mandate protection, carried out in a proportional, phased, as a last resort, and in accordance with international law and engagement rules.
"Indonesia will end its participation if the implementation of the ISF deviates from Indonesia's national caveats or is not in line with Indonesia's foreign policy," the ministry added. The government also emphasized its steadfast stance in rejecting any efforts to forcibly displace the Palestinian people.
Read: Hamas Warns Indonesia Over Gaza Peacekeeping Mission
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