When contacted in Jakarta on Saturday, Ardianzah said they are accustomed to carrying out military operations besides war (OMSP), both at home and abroad.
"The personnel from units that routinely undergo OMSP training and United Nations (UN) missions, so their basic skills, interoperability, logistical readiness, and ability to operate in various terrains are already well-established," he said.
Ardianzah explained that the 20,000 personnel consist of medical units and engineering (Zeni) units for construction work.
Their tasks, he continued, will be to provide medical services for civilians affected by the conflict while also building infrastructure and public facilities.
They will also be equipped with various supporting tools for medical and construction operations.
"We prepare field hospital, emergency medical equipment, ambulances, clean water and sanitation equipment, as well as engineering and construction capabilities, including heavy machinery and reconstruction tools," he said.
As of now, the TNI is still awaiting approval from the government and the United Nations (UN) regarding the deployment of troops to Gaza.
Previously, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the government has two pathways to obtain approval for sending peacekeepers to Gaza.
"There are two alternatives. The first is under the auspices of the United Nations," he said.
Cooperation between Indonesia and the UN for peacekeeping deployments in conflict areas such as Africa and Lebanon has been established for many years.
To obtain UN authorization, he said, are needed diplomatic efforts and communication between heads of state to reach an international-level agreement.
In addition, Indonesia must gain support from countries considered influential in addressing the conflict in Gaza.
"For Arab countries — Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — if they give the green light, Indonesia will be pleased to be involved. And of course Israel as well, because they are a key party in this matter," he added.
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Translator: Walda Marison, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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