Indonesia says it is ready to join a planned international force in the Gaza Strip to help stabilize a ceasefire. However, Jakarta made clear it will not normalize relations with Israel or participate in disarming Palestinian resistance groups.
In a statement released Sunday, Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry outlined 12 strict conditions that will govern any deployment. The ministry stressed that Indonesia’s participation remains fully subject to national decision-making and international law.
The ministry said Indonesia’s mandate will be strictly non-combat, and Indonesian personnel will not take part in fighting operations or any mission aimed at disarming resistance factions. Officials emphasized that the mission will focus on humanitarian and stabilization work, including protecting civilians, delivering humanitarian and medical aid, supporting reconstruction efforts, and training and building the capacity of Palestinian police. The statement underlined that Indonesian troops will avoid confrontation with any armed party.
Indonesia also set firm rules on the use of force. Troops may use force only for self-defense and mandate protection, and any use must remain proportional, gradual, and a last resort in line with international law and agreed rules of engagement. The ministry described the scope of Indonesian deployment as limited and tightly regulated.
Jakarta said its forces will operate only within Gaza, which it stressed is an integral part of Palestinian territory. Indonesia made Palestinian approval a prerequisite, stating that the deployment cannot proceed without the consent of Palestinian authorities.
Indonesia also reaffirmed its rejection of demographic changes, forced displacement, and any form of population transfer targeting Palestinians. The statement stressed that Indonesia’s participation rests on respect for Palestinian sovereignty and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Jakarta added it reserves the right to withdraw its forces at any time if the international mission deviates from Indonesia’s national reservations or foreign policy principles. Indonesia reiterated its continued support for Palestinian independence through a two-state solution based on international law. The ministry also clarified that Indonesian participation in the force does not constitute recognition or normalization with Israel.
Separately, officials confirmed that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will attend the first meeting of the Peace Council in the United States on February 19, 2026. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Fahd Nabil Mola Hila said the president received a formal invitation and that his participation reflects Indonesia’s commitment to playing an active role. He added that Prabowo will continue to advocate for Palestinian interests, particularly Gaza reconstruction and the broader Palestinian struggle, in line with Indonesian public sentiment.
Meanwhile, Indonesian military officials outlined the expected deployment timeline. Brig. Gen. Doni Pramono, head of public relations for the Indonesian military, said preparations are underway following a recent peace and humanitarian task force meeting. About 1,000 personnel should be ready to depart in early April 2026, while the full force of 8,000 personnel is expected to reach readiness by the end of June 2026. Preparations currently include medical screenings and administrative readiness measures.