Nurul Arifin Supports Delaying the Gaza Mission, a Realistic Step to Protect National Interests

JAKARTA - The government's decision to postpone the dispatch of 8,000 TNI personnel to Gaza is considered a right step amid the still heated geopolitical situation. Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Golkar Party Faction, Nurul Arifin, said the policy reflected the government's prudence and mature calculation.

"This is not about retreating or not being brave, but about reading the situation clearly. We cannot send troops to a conflict area whose escalation is still high without the certainty of a clear mission framework," said Nurul, Wednesday, (18/03).

He emphasized that Indonesia's involvement in peacekeeping missions must remain within the framework of international law and structured mechanisms, such as operations under the United Nations Peacekeeping. Without it, the risk in the field is considered too great.

According to Nurul, the current conditions in Gaza are not entirely conducive to the presence of large forces. Moreover, the international command structure and operational mechanisms under the International Stabilization Force (ISF) are still evolving.

On the other hand, he sees that this delay actually opens up space for Indonesia to play another role that is no less strategic. For example, Indonesia can strengthen the path of diplomacy and humanitarian assistance.

"Indonesia can still be present, it doesn't have to always be with troops. We have diplomatic strength, we have a strong moral position on the Palestinian issue. That can be maximized," he said.

In terms of the budget, Nurul said that sending thousands of troops abroad requires a large cost. Starting from mobilization, logistics, to operational needs during duty. With the delay, the government has room to rearrange the priority of the defense budget.

"The TNI must remain ready. Don't let it happen when the decision has been made, we are not optimal. So readiness is still on track, but the deployment is waiting for the right momentum," said the Head of the Media and Public Opinion Gathering (MPO) of the Golkar Party.

Nurul assessed that this step reflects Indonesia's position as a country that is increasingly mature in determining its role at the global level. Not reactive, but also not passive.

"We want to continue to contribute to world peace, but in a measured way. National interests remain number one, without reducing our humanitarian commitment," said the member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from West Java District 1.

He is also optimistic that Indonesia still has a great opportunity to take part in the peace mission in Gaza in the future, both through military and diplomatic channels, when the situation is more feasible. "The opportunity is still open. It's just how we read the time and place ourselves properly," said Nurul.