Eko Suwanto Urges Government to Take Firm Stance Against Israel After Three TNI Soldiers Fall in Lebanon

Chairman of Commission A of the Yogyakarta DPRD, Eko Suwanto, has expressed condolences over the deaths of three TNI soldiers in an attack in southern Lebanon while carrying out a peacekeeping mission. Eko has called on the Indonesian government to take a firm stance against Israel.

Eko confirmed that one of the victims hailed from Kulon Progo, namely Private First Class Farizal Ramadan. The two other soldiers who perished were Sergeant First Class Ikhwan and Captain Zulmi.

“On behalf of myself and the Yogyakarta DPRD, we convey our deepest condolences over the passing of the TNI soldiers serving as peacekeeping forces. They are heroes of humanity and heroes of the nation,” said Eko in his statement on Tuesday (31/3/2026).

In addition to the three soldiers who died, three others were reported injured, namely Private First Class Riko Pramodya, Private First Class Braibayu Prakoso, and Private First Class Arief Kurniawan. The PDI Perjuangan politician hopes that all the injured victims will recover quickly and return to Indonesia.

Eko assessed the attack as a serious violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which regulates stability in Lebanon. He also urged an independent investigation by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

“We demand an independent investigation be conducted and the responsible parties brought to international courts,” he emphasised.

Furthermore, as a member of the Yogyakarta DPRD, Eko has asked the central government, particularly the President of the Republic of Indonesia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to enhance protection for the approximately 1,200 Indonesian soldiers still serving in Lebanon.

One of the options he proposed is evaluating the assignment, including the possibility of withdrawing troops for the safety of personnel.

At the local level, the Yogyakarta DPRD has stated it will coordinate with the regional government to provide support to the victims’ families, both morally and in facilitating their needs.

Previously, the Governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, also expressed deep concern over the fall of TNI soldiers in the peacekeeping mission.

“I share the concern, but assignments inherently carry risks of sacrifice from the start. My hope is that this is the last one, with no more casualties,” stated the Sultan on Tuesday (31/3).