Indonesia has long stood among the United Nations’ most committed troop-contributing countries. Since sending its first peacekeepers in 1956, the country has deployed tens of thousands of military personnel to missions worldwide, making a direct contribution to international peace and security as envisioned in the UN Charter. Today, that commitment continues with new deployments — and UNDSS is helping ensure the troops are ready.
On 11 September 2025, the UNDSS Security Adviser for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Mr. Allan Mendoza, led a pre-deployment briefing for 259 personnel of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) preparing to join UN operations. The group included 250 members of the Indonesia Engineering Company Task Force, among them 15 women peacekeepers, who will deploy to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). In addition, four Marine Safety Officers (MSOs) are set to join the Maritime Task Force of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), while five others will remain on standby for service across various mission areas.
The pre-deployment session equipped the troops with essential knowledge of the United Nations security management system, lessons in risk management, and personal security awareness that they will carry into the field. Mr. Mendoza also stressed the Organization’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, highlighting the responsibility of every peacekeeper to uphold the highest standards of integrity. “The contribution of peacekeepers to global peace cannot be underestimated. Indonesian soldiers embarking to support United Nations peacekeeping missions are not only bringing pride to the country but also bringing hope and stability to societies challenged by conflict and insecurity,” he emphasized.
For the TNI peacekeepers, the missions ahead will be demanding. In the Central African Republic, the engineering company will play a vital role in repairing roads, building camps, and supporting humanitarian access in a fragile environment. In Lebanon, Indonesian Marine Safety Officers will strengthen maritime security operations, ensuring the safe passage of vessels in a volatile area. For both assignments, the risks are real — but so are the opportunities to make a lasting difference.
Reflecting on the deployment, one Indonesian officer expressed the pride of the contingent: “Serving as peacekeepers is an honour for us and for Indonesia. The preparation we receive from UNDSS gives us confidence that we can operate effectively and responsibly.”