"We will mobilize about 3,650 personnel to join the peacekeeping contingent alongside soldiers from the Army and the Navy," Territorial Assistant to the TNI AU Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal Palito Sitorus remarked in Jakarta on Thursday.
Speaking at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base Complex, he underlined that the TNI AU personnel will form part of three composite brigades that will make up Indonesia’s planned peacekeeping force.
He also affirmed that all selected soldiers possess the skills urgently required for humanitarian operations in Gaza, including medical expertise, evacuation capabilities, and physical construction proficiency.
In addition to personnel, he noted, the TNI AU stands ready to deploy Hercules C-130 transport aircraft to Gaza if ordered by Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Agus Subiyanto.
Earlier, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) signaled similar readiness, announcing plans to field around five thousand personnel for the peacekeeping mission.
Preparations for the Gaza mission stem from President Prabowo Subianto’s directive for the TNI to ready itself for a possible UN-mandated deployment.
He has repeatedly emphasized Indonesia’s willingness to send 20,000 peacekeepers, including at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York last September. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has also confirmed the peacekeeping plan.
General Subiyanto elaborated on November 24 that the mission will consist of three composite brigades, each comprising a medic battalion, a construction engineer battalion, a support battalion, and a mechanical support battalion.
Without revealing the exact date, he stated that the deployment will take place after an advance team surveys the situation in Gaza, noting that the TNI will assign a seasoned three-star officer to lead the peacekeeping force.
The following day, Head of the TNI Information Center Major General Freddy Ardianzah said that candidates for the commander role must meet specific criteria, including strong military diplomacy skills, experience in international missions or training abroad, and prior participation in TNI joint operations.
He confirmed that the TNI has begun selecting candidates for the position, with several three-star officers already shortlisted, though he declined to reveal their names.
Related news: Indonesia says army to provide bulk of planned Gaza peacekeepers
Related news: Indonesian Navy prepares three hospital ships for Gaza mission
Related news: Indonesia's Navy prepares 5,000 personnel for Gaza peacekeeping force
Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
