Indonesia to Contribute 8,000 Troops to Gaza Stabilization Force, Funding Through International Contributions

Jakarta – Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 8,000 troops to the Gaza Strip as part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), with funding for the deployment coming from contributions made by various countries and private entities, according to Foreign Minister Sugiono.

Funding for the Deployment

Minister Sugiono stated that the financial burden of sending Indonesian troops will be largely offset by pledges made during the Board of Peace (BoP) meeting. Nine countries – Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait – have collectively committed up to $7 billion USD to support the ISF operations Tempo.co.

“So the financial problems so far will be like yesterday at the Board of Peace. There are also some who are committed to making great contributions, both private and from countries, it will also be used to support all operations,” Sugiono said in a statement from Washington D.C. Tempo.co.

While international contributions will cover a significant portion of the costs, Indonesia acknowledges it will also incur expenses related to the troop deployment. “But we also as senders of troops will definitely incur costs,” Sugiono explained Tempo.co.

Indonesia’s Role and Restrictions

President Prabowo Subianto initially committed to sending up to 8,000 troops, and indicated the number could be increased depending on the evolving needs in Gaza Tempo.co. The deployment is expected to commence within the next one to two months Tempo.co.

Yet, Indonesia has established clear caveats regarding its troops’ involvement. Minister Sugiono emphasized that Indonesian forces will not participate in military operations, disarmament of combatants, or demilitarization efforts Tempo.co. Their primary mission is to protect the civilian population and they are authorized to take defensive action only if directly threatened Tempo.co.

Indonesia has communicated these “national caveats” to the ISF, ensuring all participating forces are aware of Indonesia’s limitations Voi.id.

Diplomatic Coordination and Palestinian Approval

Minister Sugiono confirmed that the deployment plan has been discussed and approved by Palestinian representatives, including Ali Shaath, Chairman of the National Committee for Gaza Administration, during the BoP meeting in Washington D.C. Voi.id.

Indonesia’s involvement in the ISF is not tied to diplomatic relations with specific countries, but rather to the international mandate to maintain peace and protect civilians Tempo.co.

Minister Sugiono also reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to securing a ceasefire and protecting civilians in Gaza during meetings at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, holding bilateral talks with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Pakistan, and Jordan Inp.polri.go.id.