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Jakarta – Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dino Patti Djalal has called on the Indonesian government to clarify whether Indonesian peacekeepers deployed to Gaza, Palestine, will adhere to the standard practice of wearing blue helmets, a symbol internationally recognized with United Nations peacekeeping missions. The question arises as Indonesia prepares to contribute significantly to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) aimed at stabilizing the region.
The use of blue helmets and berets is a defining characteristic of UN peacekeeping forces, representing their commitment to peace and security globally. According to the United Nations, the color blue symbolizes peace and is intrinsically linked to the mission of maintaining and fostering peaceful environments. Djalal raised the issue on his social media account, @dinopattidjalal, on Friday, February 20, 2026, questioning whether a departure from this tradition would require public explanation.
“I believe there needs to be clarity from the government as to whether Indonesian peacekeepers in Gaza will use blue helmets as is customary with UN peacekeeping forces,” Djalal wrote. “If not, this would be the first time Indonesian peacekeepers have not used blue helmets and the public needs to be informed why.”
Indonesia’s Commitment to the ISF
Indonesia has pledged a substantial contribution to the ISF, with President Prabowo Subianto stating the nation is prepared to deploy up to 8,000 troops if necessary. This commitment was made during a summit of the Board of Peace (BoP), a body established to oversee the stabilization efforts in Gaza. “The achievement of a ceasefire is real, we praise this. And we reaffirm our commitment to contribute a significant number of troops, up to 8,000 or more if needed,” Prabowo said on Thursday, February 19, 2026, according to reports. He expressed hope that the Indonesian contingent would actively contribute to global peace.
The formation of the ISF is based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, passed on November 17, 2025. The resolution outlines the ISF’s mandate to secure borders and stabilize the security environment in Gaza, specifically focusing on demilitarization. The ISF will operate under the authority of the Board of Peace, which was created by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Challenges to Security and the Palestinian Security Force
Beyond the question of helmet color, Djalal highlighted potential challenges in implementing the BoP’s plans, particularly regarding security. A key component of the security strategy involves the establishment of a Palestinian Security Force (PSF) trained by Jordan and Egypt, alongside the ISF. But, Djalal expressed concerns about the PSF’s capacity to effectively maintain security in Gaza. “The wheel of the security aspect has begun to turn with the formation of the Palestinian Security Force and the International Stabilization Force. However, the challenges on the ground, especially regarding demilitarization, remain particularly heavy,” he stated.
The success of the ISF and PSF will be crucial in ensuring a stable environment for long-term peace. The demilitarization process, as outlined in Resolution 2803, presents a significant hurdle, requiring careful coordination and sustained commitment from all parties involved.
As Indonesia prepares to deploy its forces, questions regarding operational details, including the use of standard UN peacekeeping symbols, remain. The government’s clarification on this matter will be important for both domestic transparency and international coordination.
The coming weeks will be critical as Indonesia finalizes its preparations for deployment and works with international partners to address the complex security challenges in Gaza. Continued dialogue and collaboration will be essential to ensure the success of the ISF and the long-term stability of the region.
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