Anies Baswedan: Israel Ignores International Law
Former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has strongly condemned the attack that resulted in the death of Indonesian peacekeeping troops in Lebanon. He stated that the Israeli regime under Benjamin Netanyahu ignores international law and the safety of United Nations personnel.
“This is the Netanyahu regime once again showing that they do not care about international law, UN personnel, and the lives of those who dedicate themselves to peace,” he said in his official statement on the X platform on Monday, 30 March 2026.
The incident occurred due to indirect artillery fire near the position of the Indonesian contingent close to Adchit Al Qusayr on 29 March 2026, amid reports of escalating military actions between Israel and armed groups in southern Lebanon. As a result, one soldier was killed and three others were injured while serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission.
He expressed anger over the incident, which killed one Indonesian soldier and injured others. According to him, the attack was not an accident. “Israel bombed the base where they were stationed. This is clearly not an accident or collateral damage,” he said.
Anies highlighted Indonesia’s contributions to global peacekeeping missions. According to him, Indonesia has deployed more than 1,200 personnel under the UN flag and has been actively promoting peaceful resolutions in the Middle East. “We extend our hand in good faith. But the response is bombs dropped on our soldiers’ base,” he said.
To the United Nations (UN), Anies urged concrete steps, not just statements. He assessed that the UN’s credibility is at stake if it cannot protect its own peacekeeping forces.
“The UN’s credibility is at stake. If this world body cannot protect its own peacekeeping forces, then what exactly is it protecting,” he said.
Meanwhile, PKS Central Board of Assessment Chairman Mulyanto assessed that the incident should serve as a momentum for a comprehensive evaluation of the protection system for troops. He highlighted aspects of security, field intelligence support, and the completeness of main weapon system equipment.
“This evaluation must cover all aspects of protection, including the readiness of defence equipment and field information support so that risks to soldiers can be minimised as much as possible,” he said in an official statement on Monday, 30 March 2026.
In addition, he emphasised the importance of reviewing the rules of engagement (ROE) and operational standards in active conflict areas. “The safety of soldiers must be the top priority without reducing the effectiveness of the peacekeeping mission being carried out,” he said.
According to Mulyanto, the increasing complexity of the security situation in Lebanon makes peacekeeping forces increasingly vulnerable. He alluded to the escalation of conflict involving various actors, including tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.
“This situation shows that the assignment area is becoming increasingly dangerous and requires a more adaptive protection approach,” he said.
He also encouraged the government to strengthen active diplomacy in international forums to promote de-escalation of the conflict. “Indonesia must position itself as part of the solution, not just bearing the risks of a protracted conflict,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mulyanto asked the government to consider the balance between troop deployment contributions and security guarantees for soldiers. Troop deployments must be based on mature risk calculations and supported by optimal protection, so that Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining world peace continues with the safety of personnel in the field.