The Government Prepares 20,000 Personnel for Peacekeeping Mission in Gaza

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has prepared 20,000 troops for deployment in the peacekeeping mission in Gaza.

"We are maximizing the deployment of 20,000 troops, but the specifics are focused on health and construction," Sjafrie said at the Ministry of Defense office, Antara News Agency reported, Friday, November 14.

Sjafrie explained that the deployment of this large number of troops was based on President Prabowo Subianto's orders. These troops will carry out several humanitarian tasks, such as providing health services to war victims and building infrastructure for the local community.

"The troops will be deployed to maintain peace, which could last longer, leading to political negotiations," he added.

In addition to troop deployments, Sjafrie also confirmed that the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) will continue to provide routine logistical assistance through airdrops, as has been done this year.

When asked when the peacekeeping personnel will be sent to Gaza, Sjafrie could not provide a specific timeline.

He only explained that the decision to send troops would be made by President Prabowo Subianto.

Previously, the Head of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Information Center (Kapuspen), Major General Freddy Ardianzah, confirmed that his side would always be ready to deploy troops to Gaza as peacekeeping troops.

Freddy made this statement in response to President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to sending peacekeeping troops to Gaza.

"We convey that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is, in principle, always ready to implement every government decision and policy, in this case, a direct order from the President of the Republic of Indonesia as the TNI Commander-in-Chief," Freddy told Antara in Jakarta.

According to Freddy, all forms of TNI involvement in overseas missions are the result of political policies adopted by the government, in this case the president.

In terms of technical preparation, Freddy admitted that TNI troops are indeed prepared to carry out missions both at home and abroad, both military operations and military operations other than war (OMSP).

"These personnel routinely undergo training in interoperability, logistical preparedness, and operational capabilities in various fields," Freddy explained.

Although all aspects have been well prepared, Freddy emphasized that his team is still awaiting orders from the central government and the TNI Commander to carry out the peacekeeping mission in Gaza.

"Essentially, the TNI is ready to implement every government decision professionally, proportionally, and while upholding the principles of peace and Indonesia's national interests, based on national and international legal standing," Freddy explained.