DPR RI Commission Member Condemns Israeli Attack Killing One TNI Soldier
Makassar (ANTARA) - Syamsu Rizal MI, a member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has strongly condemned the Israeli attack that killed one TNI soldier and injured three other TNI soldiers who are part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
“This is a very serious matter. Peacekeeping forces are present to maintain stability, not to engage in war. Attacking them is clearly a violation of international law,” he said in a press release received in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Monday.
He emphasised that the TNI soldiers who were victims are part of the world’s peacekeeping forces carrying out an international mandate, not parties involved in armed conflict.
The man affectionately known as Deng Ical strongly condemned the attack, stating that it is not only tragic but also potentially qualifies as a war crime.
The former Deputy Mayor of Makassar assessed that the incident is difficult to consider as coincidental. There are strong indications that the attack was carried out with intentional elements, and this must not be left unaccounted for.
“If there is indeed an intentional element, then this is a serious crime. The international community must not remain silent. The incident requires accountability,” he reiterated.
Therefore, he urged the Indonesian Government to immediately coordinate with the United Nations (UN) to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Deng Ical again emphasised the importance of a transparent and accountable fact-finding process to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
He also called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to act swiftly in handling the impact of the incident, including the process of repatriating the body of the fallen soldier with full honours, and ensuring that the injured soldiers receive the best medical treatment.
“The state must be present. The repatriation of the body must be carried out as soon as possible with full honours, while the injured soldiers must receive maximum care,” he urged.
This politician from South Sulawesi also suggested the importance of a firm stance from President Prabowo Subianto. According to him, the state must not be negligent and needs to issue an official position on the incident.
“This event could be a turning point for Indonesia to take a firmer position on the dynamics in the Middle East. The state must be present and take a stance,” he added.
On the other hand, Deng Ical reminded all TNI personnel serving in peacekeeping missions in conflict areas to increase their vigilance. This is because the situation in Lebanon is currently very volatile, especially given suspicions of non-compliance with international law.
Previously, the Head of the Information Centre (Kapuspen) of TNI Headquarters, Major General TNI Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, confirmed that the three TNI soldiers who were injured in the attack in Lebanon are receiving intensive medical treatment in hospital.
The three soldiers are Private First Class Rico Pramudia, Private First Class Bayu Prakoso, and Private First Class Arif Kurniawan.
“Private First Class Rico Pramudia suffered serious injuries, while Private First Class Bayu Prakoso and Private First Class Arif Kurniawan suffered minor injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment,” Aulia said when confirmed by ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday.
One TNI soldier named Private First Class Farizal Rhomadhon was declared fallen in the attack. The process of sending the body of Private First Class Farizal is currently underway with assistance from the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut.