Gerindra Faction Pushes for Investigation into Attack on UNIFIL
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Gerindra Party faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has condemned the attack on Indonesian peacekeeping troops in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission in southern Lebanon, and is pushing for a comprehensive investigation and steps to de-escalate the conflict.
Gerindra Party faction chairman in the DPR RI, Budisatrio Djiwandono, stated that the attack constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations (UN) mandate.
“The Gerindra Party faction condemns the series of Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon that are exacerbating the escalation of the conflict. Attacks on peacekeeping forces under the UN mandate are a serious violation of international humanitarian law as well as UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” he said in a written statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He emphasised that such actions are unjustifiable as they distance efforts towards peace in the region.
“Such actions further distance us from the goal of peace and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” he said.
In the incident, three TNI soldiers were killed while carrying out their duties: Leading Soldier Farizal Rhomadhon due to a projectile attack in Ett Taibe, and Captain Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and Sergeant First Class Muhammad Nur Ichwan in an explosion that hit a UNIFIL logistics convoy near Bani Haiyyan.
Budisatrio expressed deep condolences over the deaths of the TNI soldiers, which he described as a great loss to the nation.
“Indonesia has lost three of the nation’s finest sons who fell while carrying out their duties for the state,” he said.
In addition to the condemnation, the Gerindra faction is also urging concrete steps from the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to conduct a transparent joint investigation with UNIFIL.
“We will continue to communicate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that the entire series of joint investigations with UNIFIL can be carried out comprehensively and transparently, and are able to bring justice to the victims’ families,” he said.
He also affirmed support for the government’s steps in requesting the UN to immediately hold an emergency Security Council meeting to respond to the incident.
“The Gerindra faction also supports the government’s request to the UN to immediately hold an emergency Security Council meeting to ensure concrete steps for de-escalation as well as protection for civilians and peacekeeping forces,” he said.
These steps are considered important to maintain regional stability while ensuring maximum protection for peacekeeping forces carrying out their international mandate.