Government Urged to Take Firm Diplomatic Stance on UN Investigation Results
The Indonesian government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable options.
House of Representatives Commission I is urging the government to immediately take firm diplomatic steps following the deaths of TNI soldiers in the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. The incident involving an Israeli tank, according to the UN investigation, is seen not only as a sorrow for the extended TNI family but also for the entire Indonesian nation.
Deputy Chairman of Commission I DPR, Dave Laksono, stated that Indonesia has a strong position to demand clarity on the incident. He believes that Indonesia’s active contribution to global peacekeeping missions provides both moral and political grounds to seek accountability.
“We emphasise that the government needs to immediately take firm and measured diplomatic steps, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to ensure accountability and justice for the incident,” Dave said when contacted on Wednesday (8/4).
He added that Indonesia has the right to demand clarification and guarantees of protection for every personnel serving under the international flag. This is important given Indonesia’s consistent role in supporting UN peacekeeping missions.
In its oversight function, Dave added, Commission I DPR is also pushing for strengthened coordination across ministries, particularly between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. This step is considered crucial to ensure effective diplomacy while safeguarding national interests.
Additionally, Dave emphasised the need for a comprehensive evaluation of protection mechanisms for TNI soldiers serving abroad.
“We also emphasise the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of legal and operational protection mechanisms for TNI troops serving abroad, so that every soldier can carry out their mission feeling safe and protected,” he said.
Commission I DPR views the tragedy as a momentum to strengthen Indonesia’s position in international diplomacy. Amid the grief, the DPR sees the sacrifice of TNI soldiers as a foundation to push for a more just global order.
“With a spirit of unity and optimism, we are confident that the sacrifice of TNI soldiers will not be in vain, but will serve as a foundation for creating a more just, peaceful, and humane global order,” Dave concluded.
The government has not yet taken an official stance regarding the UN investigation into the deaths of TNI soldiers in the peacekeeping mission as part of UNIFIL in Lebanon, including the withdrawal of troops.
The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that the Israeli air force launched airstrikes in the coastal area in central Sidon.
The UN confirmed the death of Indonesian UNIFIL personnel on 29 March was caused by fire from an Israeli Merkava tank, while the second incident was triggered by an IED.
The attack on peacekeeping forces in Lebanon that killed TNI soldiers is considered a critical point for Indonesia to review its involvement.
Israeli attacks struck Lebanon again, killing at least 15 people on Sunday (5/4) local time.