March 17, 2026 | 04:32 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia is suspending its plan to deploy 8,000 troops to the Gaza Strip as part of the peacekeeping mission under the Trump-backed International Stabilization Force (ISF), as confirmed by State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi.
“Everything is on hold," Prasetyo said after a coordination meeting at the Ministry of Defense on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as quoted from Antara.
The decision to postpone the troops' departure considers various contributing factors, the minister went on, including the escalation of war initiated by Washington and Tel Aviv in Iran, which spilled over to the Gulf region.
When asked how long the plan is put on-hold, Prasetyo could not provide a definite answer. “[Suspended] for an indefinite period," he said.
Previously, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed that the Indonesian military (TNI) would deploy personnel in phases to join the International Security Force (ISF) in the peacekeeping mission in Gaza.
“Yes, in phases because it's a big number,” he said last week, explaining that while the military initially floated deploying 20,000 troops, it ultimately cut the numbers down to 8,000 personnel.
"It turns out other countries are only sending a few hundreds, so we're ready with 8,000 troops. But what’s most important is we will carry out the mission if it does not conflict with [Indonesia's] national interests," explained Sjafrie.
The minister could not yet confirm when the troops will depart for Gaza, as the government awaits further developments at the Board of Peace and for the escalating regional tension in the Middle East to ease.
Nevertheless, Sjafrie assured that the Indonesian military continues to prepare the troops so they are ready to be deployed at any time. “It’s common for the military to have disaster readiness, tactical readiness, and strategic readiness,” he said at the time.
Read: Prabowo Believes Indonesia Has a Role in Board of Peace for Palestine
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