Indonesia to Gaza: Dino Patti Djalal Asks About Peacekeeper Helmets

Indonesia Seeks Clarity on Peacekeeper Helmets for Gaza Deployment

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, traditionally used by United Nations (UN) peacekeeping forces. The question arises as Indonesia prepares to contribute significantly to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) aimed at stabilizing the region.

Djalal raised the issue on his social media account, @dinopattidjalal, on Friday, February 20, 2026, questioning whether a departure from the established blue helmet protocol would necessitate a 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.”

The blue color of UN peacekeeper helmets and berets symbolizes peace and their mandate to maintain it, according to the official UN website.

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 stabilization efforts in Gaza. “The achievement of a ceasefire is real, we praise this,” Prabowo stated, adding, “And by virtue of that, we reaffirm our commitment to contribute a significant number of troops, up to 8,000 or more if needed.”

Beyond the issue of appearance, Djalal also highlighted concerns regarding the readiness of the Palestinian Security Force, which is slated to be trained by Jordan and Egypt, to effectively maintain security in Gaza. “The wheels of the security aspect have started to turn with the formation of the Palestinian Security Force and the International Stabilization Force. However, the challenges in the field, especially regarding demilitarization, are still exceptionally serious,” Djalal stated.

Djalal also expressed hope that the Board of Peace would not be used to suppress Palestinian aspirations.

The formation of the ISF is based on UN Security Council Resolution 2803, passed on November 17, 2025. According to the resolution, the ISF’s tasks include helping to secure the border area and stabilize the security environment in Gaza by ensuring the demilitarization process in the Gaza Strip. The force will operate under the authority of the Board of Peace, established by U.S. President Donald Trump.

President Prabowo, speaking before Donald Trump, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to achieving peace in Palestine. He also expressed support for 20 points of ideas proposed by Trump regarding peace in Palestine. “For us, the only long-lasting solution is a two-state solution,” Prabowo said.