Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono clarified on Saturday (21/2/2026)  that Indonesia’s appointment as Deputy Commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) does not imply diplomatic recognition of Israel. 

Speaking in Washington D.C. on Friday evening he dismissed concerns regarding the deployment of thousands of troops to Gaza despite the absence of formal ties between Jakarta and Tel Aviv.

"This is not about diplomatic recognition; it is about a mandated force tasked with maintaining peace and protecting civilians," Minister Sugiono said, as cited by antaranews.com 

He emphasized that the appointment honors the Indonesian Military’s (TNI) stellar global reputation in peacekeeping operations. Under President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to the President Donald Trump’s-initiated Board of Peace, Indonesia will deploy 8,000 personnel, one of the largest contingents in the mission. 

The ISF, led by U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers, aims to deploy 32,000 personnel for post-war recovery. Indonesia has established strict national caveats, limiting its role to humanitarian efforts and civilian protection while explicitly excluding demilitarization or active offensive military operations.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)