Defence Ministry: Safety of Peacekeeping Troops is Top Priority

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed that the safety of peacekeeping troops is the top priority. This comes after eight TNI soldiers from the Garuda Contingent Task Force in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission became casualties in southern Lebanon. Of these, three were killed and five injured. “The Ministry of Defence emphasises that the safety of peacekeeping troops must be the top priority,” said Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of Information at the Ministry of Defence Secretariat General, in a press release received by Kompas.com on Tuesday (31/3/2026). “Indonesia remains committed to actively contributing to maintaining world peace and supporting regional stability through participation in UN peacekeeping missions,” he stressed. To date, the Ministry of Defence and TNI are coordinating with UNIFIL headquarters to maximise the safety of all personnel and ensure the best handling for the victims. “Evacuation and medical treatment measures have also been carried out swiftly in accordance with UN operational procedures,” he added. Based on the latest information from TNI headquarters, the soldiers are Chief Private (Praka) Rico Pramudia, Praka Bayu Prakoso, Praka Farizal Rhomadhon, and Praka Arif Kurniawan. “Praka Farizal Rhomadhon was declared killed, Praka Rico Pramudia suffered severe injuries, while Praka Bayu Prakoso and Praka Arif Kurniawan sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment,” said Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, Head of TNI Information Centre, to Kompas.com on Monday (30/3/2026). Aulia revealed that the four victims are members of Company C, United Nations Position (UNP) 7-1, from the Task Force Mechanised Battalion XXIII-S, which is part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Meanwhile, the soldier with severe injuries was evacuated by helicopter to St. George Hospital in Beirut for further treatment. “The fallen soldier is currently laid to rest at the East Sector Headquarters (HQ), and arrangements are being finalised for repatriation to Indonesia with assistance from the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut,” he stated.