October 17, 2025 | 07:27 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Admiral David Johnston, stated that Australia is open to the option of working alongside the Indonesian National Armed Force (TNI) to maintain peace in Gaza, Palestine.
Johnston made the statement during a press conference in Jakarta on Friday, October 17, 2025. He was responding to questions about President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to deploy 20,000 peacekeeping troops to conflict areas, including Gaza.
"It would be misleading of me to either include or rule out any option. But I think many nations will come together, I will be ensuring that we continue to talk with TNI and we share insights into what Indonesia might do and what Australia might do," Johnston said. If those possibilities happily come together, that would be very good for both countries."
Johnston noted that similar to Indonesia, Australia is currently involved in discussions in Egypt regarding Gaza's future. "Australia is participating in some of that early planning to understand what the options that might develop, to understand what type of [Australia's] contribution [in Gaza]," he explained when asked about Australia's position.
He conveyed that initial peace planning for Gaza has begun, following the recent world leaders' meeting at the Sharm el-Sheikh High-Level Conference for Peace in Gaza in Egypt. Johnston cautioned that the arrangement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority is still unclear, making it too early to discuss specific Australian military involvement as peacekeeping forces in the region.
While he understands the importance President Prabowo Subianto places on this issue, Johnston stated they will continue to engage with Australian counterparts regarding potential contributions, even though specific details are premature.
Australia's Position on Israel and Palestine
Australia's diplomatic stance has evolved recently. According to its official government website, since September 2025, Australia has recognized Palestine as a sovereign state and directed its efforts toward achieving the coexistence of the two countries and a ceasefire in Gaza.
This position contrasts with Indonesia's formal stance. Indonesia maintains tougher leverage, stating it will recognize Israel only when Israel recognizes Palestinian sovereignty, something Israel has been reluctant to do so far. Currently, Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, while Australia maintains an embassy in Tel Aviv.
Johnston's statement confirms that despite these differences, Indonesia and Australia agree on the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the vital importance of protecting human rights there.
Editor’s Choice: Israel Violates Truce, Only 480 Aid Trucks Enter Gaza
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Palace Hints at More Foreigners May Lead SOEs
18 menit lalu
Two director positions at PT Garuda Indonesia are filled by foreigners. Prasetyo Hadi signals the possibility of foreigners occupying positions at Pertamina.
Trump Threatens to Eliminate Hamas if Gaza Violence Continues
1 jam lalu
United States President Donald Trump threatens to destroy Hamas if the violence in Gaza does not stop.
US Denies Israeli Claims That Hamas Complicated Hostage Return
4 jam lalu
The United States is denying Israeli claims that Hamas violated the ceasefire by failing to return all deceased hostages, the BBC reported.
Israel Violates Truce, Only 480 Aid Trucks Enter Gaza
6 jam lalu
The Gaza Government Media Office stated on Thursday that a total of 653 aid trucks had been allowed into the area since the truce deal took effect.
Israeli Troops Remain Around Indonesian Hospital Complex in Gaza, Says MER-C
9 jam lalu
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in place, but Israeli troops are still holding their ground around the Indonesian hospital complex in Gaza.
Fishermen's Exchange Rate in Indonesia Continues Downward Trend Since 2022
21 jam lalu
The decline in the exchange rate suggests that the income of fishermen is not keeping pace with the rising cost of living and sea-keeping expenses.
Indonesia's Digital Economy Unfazed by Tariff Barriers, Government Claims
21 jam lalu
Indonesia continues to strengthen its digital economy by collaborating on local currency transactions (LCTs) via QRIS.
Today's Top 3 News: PSSI Extends Gratitude to Patrick Kluivert and His Coaching Staff After Tenure Ends
23 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Gaza: Does Ceasefire Impact International War Crimes Cases?
1 hari lalu
The 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan asks Palestinians to stop "lawfare" against Israel and offers Hamas fighters an amnesty.
Government Suspects Irregularities in Indonesia's Rice Imports
1 hari lalu
Coordinating Minister for the Food Zulkifli Hasan asserts that the government will not import rice as production increases.
