Analyst: Withdrawal of Peacekeeping Troops Could Be a Strategic Consequence for Indonesia
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Political and military analyst from Universitas Nasional, Selamat Ginting, assesses that the withdrawal of TNI troops from global peacekeeping missions could represent a strategic consequence for Indonesia.
This follows the incident involving Praka Rico Pramudia, the fourth TNI soldier to fall in Lebanon after nearly a month of treatment for severe injuries sustained from an artillery attack on 29 March 2026.
“Then the unavoidable question arises: does Indonesia need to withdraw its troops from Lebanon?” Ginting emphasised when contacted by Kompas.com on Sunday (28/4/2026).
“The answer to this question is not simple. Withdrawing troops could indeed reduce the risk of casualties in the short term. However, such a step also carries strategic consequences,” he explained further.
The presence is seen not only as a symbol of commitment to global peace but also as a diplomatic instrument that strengthens Indonesia’s position on the international stage.
Conversely, according to him, persisting without change could place soldiers in disproportionately high risks.
“Therefore, the most rational choice is not a full withdrawal, but rather a strategic adjustment. Indonesia can continue to contribute, but with a redefinition of its role,” he stressed.
“This allows Indonesia to maintain its global commitments without neglecting the safety of its soldiers,” he added emphatically.
He emphasised that at stake is not only the sustainability of the mission but also justice for the soldiers on the front lines.
“Peacekeeping forces must not be left as ‘lightly armed spectators’ amid heavy armed conflict,” he clarified.
If risks escalate, he continued, then the mandate, protection, and support must also be enhanced.
Rico passed away at 10.32 local time, or 14.32 WIB, after intensive treatment at St. George’s Hospital in Beirut.
The late soldier had previously suffered severe injuries after the Indonesian contingent’s assignment post in the town of Adshit al-Qusyar in southern Lebanon was hit by an artillery attack.
With Rico’s death, the total number of TNI soldiers who have died in two separate incidents in the UNIFIL mission area in southern Lebanon now stands at four.
They are Major Inf (Posthumous) Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Serka (Posthumous) Muhammad Nur Ichwan, Kopda (Posthumous) Farizal Rhomadhon, and Praka Rico Pramudia.