House of Representatives Commission I Requests UN to Evaluate Protection for UNIFIL Troops
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission I, Sukamta, has requested that the United Nations conduct a thorough evaluation of the protection mechanisms for peacekeeping forces in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission to align with the realities of threats on the ground.
“We urge the UN to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the UNIFIL mandate and protection mechanisms to match the evolving threat realities in the field,” Sukamta stated in a press release received in Jakarta on Saturday.
The legislator from the Yogyakarta electoral district stressed that the protection of personnel carrying out UN peacekeeping missions must not be neglected, including by conflicting parties.
Additionally, transparent and accountable investigative steps are needed regarding the incident of the death of Private First Class Rico Pramudia due to a guided projectile, to ensure clarity and accountability.
“We view that the protection of UN personnel must be the top priority and must not be ignored by any party, including in the conflict dynamics involving Israel and other actors in the region,” he said.
He also requested that the Indonesian Government conduct a comprehensive review of security aspects and assignment patterns for soldiers following the death of Private First Class Rico.
“The Indonesian Government needs to undertake a comprehensive review of security aspects, readiness, and soldier assignment patterns in peacekeeping missions, without reducing Indonesia’s commitment as an active contributor to maintaining global stability,” he stated.
The Deputy Chairman of Commission I for Polhukam affairs emphasised that world peace must not be paid for with futile sacrifices, including from soldiers on duty.
According to him, every fallen soldier must serve as a reminder that peacekeeping efforts require a strong system, adequate protection, and collective commitment from the entire international community.
He also expressed condolences over the death of Private First Class Rico Pramudia, one of the TNI’s finest soldiers serving in the UNIFIL mission.
“We extend our deepest condolences over the death of the TNI’s finest soldier in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. This sacrifice is a tangible manifestation of Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining world peace, in accordance with the constitutional mandate,” he said.
It is known that Private First Class Rico passed away after receiving treatment in Lebanon, having been a victim of a guided projectile explosion targeting a UNIFIL Merkava on Wednesday (29/3).
Sukamta continued that the death of Private First Class Rico must be a serious concern for all parties, especially since the UNIFIL headquarters became a target of attack by conflicting parties.
“The attack that occurred in the UNIFIL operational area indicates that the situation on the ground has experienced significant escalation, placing peacekeeping forces at increasingly high risk,” he said.
The death of Private First Class Rico in the UNIFIL mission adds sorrow for Indonesia. The total number of TNI soldiers who have fallen in Lebanon now stands at four.
In addition to Rico, the soldiers who fell in the peacekeeping mission are Major Infantry (Posthumous) Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Sergeant Major (Posthumous) Muhammad Nur Ichwan, and Corporal (Posthumous) Farizal Rhomadhon.
“May the fallen soldiers attain the best place beside the Almighty God, and may their bereaved families be granted fortitude,” said Sukamta.