Indonesia has the potential to become the first country to deploy troops to Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), a multinational mission established to support stabilization efforts and humanitarian assistance in the region.
The Indonesian government has confirmed that preparations are currently underway, although there is still no certainty regarding the deployment timeline, the number of personnel involved, or their specific locations.
Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela said that while the preparation process is indeed ongoing, it still requires intensive coordination with various stakeholders, both domestically and internationally.
“Indonesia is indeed preparing [for the deployment]. But the timeline is not yet definitive, albeit the process is underway,” Nabyl said in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with all relevant institutions, is working to carry out the mandate of President Prabowo Subianto. Nabyl also stressed that Indonesia’s involvement in the ISF would not include any disarmament agenda.
“Indonesia’s participation [in the peacekeeping mission] will be focused on the humanitarian aspect. They will not take part in any disarmament process,” he said.
Troop Readiness Under Review
Discussion over Indonesia’s readiness intensified after Israeli media outlets, including The Times of Israel and KAN News, reported that on-the-ground preparations for the deployment of ISF troops had begun and that Indonesia was expected to be the first contingent to arrive in Gaza.
KAN News reported that thousands of Indonesian troops would be stationed in the southeastern area 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 is preparing one brigade with a strength of between 5,000 and 8,000 personnel.
“[We are deploying] a brigade, likely around 5,000 to 8,000 [personnel]. But nothing is set in stone yet. So, the numbers aren't final,” Maruli said, as quoted by Channel News Asia.
However, statements from other officials suggest differing estimates. Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto mentioned the possibility of deploying around 600 personnel, while State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the number could “likely reach 8,000,” although no final decision has been made.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Tandyo Budi Revita emphasized that a final decision would be made soon.
“We should be able to announce how many of our men we will send by the end of the month,” he said, as quoted by the Jakarta Globe.
Indonesia’s Role in the ISF
The establishment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) gained legal grounding after the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2803 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.
The resolution authorizes UN member states and the Board of Peace (BoP) to form a temporary ISF in Gaza under a single, 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 by donors and governments that are members of the BoP.
According to Reuters, the total strength of the ISF is estimated at around 20,000 personnel drawn from multiple countries, with Indonesia estimating that it could contribute up to 8,000 troops. Nevertheless, the government has stressed that all operational aspects, including deployment areas and timelines, remain under discussion.
President Prabowo Subianto has also received an invitation from the United States to attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington on February 19, 2026. However, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said that the president’s attendance has not yet been confirmed.
The government has emphasized that Indonesia’s contribution to the ISF is temporary and remains consistent with Indonesia’s diplomatic stance of supporting a two-state solution as the ultimate goal for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
