Indonesia has been appointed as the deputy commander of operations for the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, with the United States holding the commander position. The appointment comes as Indonesia commits to deploying 8,000 troops to Gaza, the largest contribution from any single nation involved in the ISF.
Indonesia’s Role in the Gaza ISF
Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that the country contributing the largest number of troops is typically mandated to lead the joint forces. However, with the U.S. already holding the commander role, Indonesia was designated as the deputy commander of operations, one of three deputy commander positions within the ISF.
“Because the Indonesian troops are also the largest there, this deputy commander for operations is also something that honors and appreciates Indonesia’s track record,” Sugiono said in a virtual press release on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Sugiono also cited the reputation of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and its experience in peacekeeping operations as contributing factors to the appointment.
The strategic position within the ISF is expected to allow Indonesia to increase its contribution to the welfare of the Palestinian people, according to Sugiono. “I think this position will also facilitate what we aim and intend to do by sending troops to ISF,” he stated.
The plan to deploy a joint ISF force to Gaza was initially announced at a meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., attended by leaders including President Prabowo Subianto and the Chair of the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG) Ali Shaath.
Nickolay Mladenov, the director-general of the Board of Peace, emphasized that the reconstruction of Gaza is contingent upon disarmament. “There is no other choice but full demilitarization and the disarmament of all weapons in Gaza so that reconstruction can begin and the Palestinian people can have a new way of life ahead,” Mladenov said.
Hamas, the armed group in Gaza, has rejected demands for disarmament and foreign intervention, stating that “Criminalizing resistance, its weapons, and those who carry it out is unacceptable,” according to senior leader Khaled Meshaal at a conference in Doha on February 9, 2026.
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