Fajarasia.id – Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR), Sukamta, emphasized the importance of ensuring that Indonesia’s plan to send 20,000 military personnel (TNI) to Gaza is firmly placed within an international peacekeeping framework.
Speaking to reporters after a parliamentary hearing, Sukamta warned that the mission must not be exploited for political purposes. “The deployment should not be used by Israel to achieve objectives that could not be realized through two years of violence in Gaza,” he said.
Mandate from International Institutions The legislator from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) expressed optimism that the government can carry out this humanitarian mission effectively. He stressed that the deployment should be under the umbrella of major international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) or the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC Plus).
Composition of Forces Sukamta explained that the type of forces sent will depend on field conditions and TNI readiness. Army units would be essential for ground operations, while Navy and Air Force personnel would be needed to secure humanitarian aid arriving by sea and air. He also suggested the inclusion of cyber units to monitor digital threats, as well as medical corps to provide health services.
Government Preparation Earlier, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed that Indonesia is preparing 20,000 soldiers for the mission, following instructions from President Prabowo Subianto. According to Sjafrie, the troops will be selected with specific expertise in health and construction to support humanitarian and infrastructure needs in Gaza.
“This is the President’s vision: to prepare up to 20,000 personnel, focusing on medical and construction capabilities,” Sjafrie said after meeting with Jordan’s Chief of Joint Staff, Major General Pilot Yousef Ahmed Al-Hunaity, in Jakarta on November 14.****
