Indonesia has the potential to turn out to be the primary country to deploy troops to the Gaza Strip as a part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), a multinational mission established to support stabilization and humanitarian efforts within the region.
The Indonesian government confirmed that preparations are ongoing, although there continues to be uncertainty concerning the deployment timeline, the variety of personnel involved, or their specific locations.
Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela said that while the preparatory process is indeed ongoing, it still requires intensive coordination with various stakeholders, each at home and abroad.
“Indonesia is indeed preparing [for the deployment]. However, the schedule is not final yet, although the process is ongoing,” Nabyl said in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with all relevant institutions, is working to implement the mandate of President Prabowo Subianto. Nabyl also stressed that Indonesia’s involvement within the ISF won’t include any disarmament program.
“Indonesia’s participation [in the peacekeeping mission] will give attention to the humanitarian aspect. They won’t participate in any disarmament process,” he said.
Soldier readiness under review
Discussion about Indonesia’s readiness intensified after Israeli media, including The Times of Israel and KAN News, reported that preparations on the bottom for the deployment of ISF troops had begun and Indonesia was expected to be the primary contingent to reach in Gaza.
KAN News reported that 1000’s of Indonesian soldiers will likely be stationed within the southeastern a part of Rafah. However, this report has not been officially confirmed by the Indonesian government.
Indonesian Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak stated that Indonesia was preparing one brigade of 5,000 to eight,000 personnel.
“[We are deploying] brigade, probably around 5,000 to eight,000 [personnel]. But nothing is for certain yet. So the numbers are usually not final,” Maruli said, as quoted by Channel News Asia.
However, statements from other officials suggest divergent estimates. Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto mentioned the potential for deploying around 600 personnel, while Secretary of State Prasetyo Hadi said the number “will probably reach 8,000”, although no final decision has been made.
Meanwhile, Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) deputy commander Tandyo Budi Revita stressed that a final decision can be made soon.
“We should find a way to announce how lots of our people we are going to send by the tip of the month,” he said, as quoted by the Jakarta Globe.
Indonesia’s role within the ISF
The creation of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) gained legal justification after the adoption of Resolution No. 2803 by the UN Security Council on November 17, 2025. The resolution proposed by the United States was supported by 13 members of the Security Council, while Russia and China abstained from voting.
The resolution authorizes UN member states and the Council of Peace (BoP) to determine an interim ISF in Gaza under one unified command.
The ISF’s mandate includes securing border areas, stabilizing security conditions, protecting civilians and coordinating the opening of humanitarian corridors in accordance with international law. Funding for the ISF comes from voluntary contributions from donors and BoP member governments.
According to Reuters, the ISF’s total strength is estimated at around 20,000 personnel drawn from multiple countries, with Indonesia estimating it may very well be as much as 8,000 troops. Nevertheless, the federal government stressed that each one operational points, including deployment areas and schedules, are still under discussion.
President Prabowo Subianto also received an invite from the United States to attend the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council in Washington, D.C. on February 19, 2026. However, Secretary of State Prasetyo Hadi said that the president’s attendance has not yet been confirmed.
The government emphasized that Indonesia’s contribution to the ISF is temporary and stays consistent with Indonesia’s diplomatic position of supporting a two-state solution as the final word goal of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
