"The selection process for the peacekeeping contingent is underway. The plan is for it to be led by a three-star general," he said after a hearing with Commission I at the House of Representatives (DPR) complex in Jakarta on Monday.
He did not explain the reason for appointing a high-ranking officer to lead the peacekeeping force to Gaza.
However, he said the troops will oversee three composite brigades.
Each brigade consists of three main battalions: a health battalion, a construction engineer battalion, and a support battalion.
"There will also be mechanical support," Subiyanto added.
He assured that all troops slated for the Gaza peacekeeping deployment are physically and mentally prepared.
"For troop recruitment, the first step is a medical test. They must be in good health, physically fit, and psychologically fit, he remarked.
According to him, all peacekeeping forces will be sent after the TNI dispatches an advance team to the Gaza region.
The TNI dispatched the advance team to evaluate the situation in Gaza and decide where troops should be stationed.
Furthermore, he did not specify the troops' deployment date. The general only confirmed that TNI Headquarters is awaiting orders from the central government regarding the deployment.
Previously, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said that the TNI had prepared 20,000 personnel for the peacekeeping mission in Gaza.
"We are maximizing the 20,000 personnel we have prepared, but the specifics are health and construction," he said on November 14.
He stated that the deployment was based on orders from President Prabowo Subianto.
These personnel will carry out several humanitarian tasks, such as providing health services to war victims and building infrastructure for the local community.
"The troops will be deployed to maintain peace, which can last longer, leading to political negotiations," the minister continued.
Besides deployments, Sjafrie also confirmed that the Indonesian Air Force will continue to provide routine logistical assistance through airdrops, as has been done this year.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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