Israel Bombs Indonesian Peacekeeper Base, Anies Baswedan Calls on World to Act
Former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has issued a strong condemnation of the attack that struck a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping base, killing one Indonesian soldier while another was reported to have sustained serious injuries.
In his statement, Anies emphasised that the incident cannot be regarded as an accident or a collateral effect of conflict. He accused the attack of being an outright disregard for international law, UN personnel, and peacekeepers operating in conflict zones.
“We are angry. An Indonesian peacekeeper has been killed. The other is fighting for his life. Israel bombed the base where they were stationed,” Anies wrote on his personal X account on Thursday (30/3).
According to him, the action reflects the attitude of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s regime, which, he said, has repeatedly shown indifference to international law, UN resolutions, and the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers.
Anies also highlighted Indonesia’s major contributions to global peacekeeping missions. He noted that Indonesia has deployed more than 1,200 personnel to serve under the UN flag. Additionally, the Indonesian government is seen as actively promoting the creation of peaceful and just resolutions in the Middle East.
“Indonesia has done more than expected. We have sent more than 1,200 soldiers to serve under the UN flag,” he stated.
However, according to Anies, Indonesia’s good faith has been repaid with an attack on the headquarters where Indonesian troops are stationed. He views the attack as an insult to all of Indonesia’s peaceful efforts.
Furthermore, Anies said that this event is not surprising. He accused the Netanyahu government of repeatedly ignoring international calls for restraint, attacking UN facilities, and causing casualties among civilians, journalists, humanitarian aid workers, and peacekeeping forces.
He also called on the UN Secretary-General not to stop at mere condolences and condemnations. According to Anies, the current situation demands concrete, urgent, and enforceable steps.
“The UN’s credibility is at stake. If this global institution cannot protect its own peacekeepers, then what exactly is it protecting?” Anies said.
In addition, Anies called on countries around the world to act together to push for accountability. He demanded that those responsible be brought to international courts and that international law be enforced in practice.
He stressed that international law will only have meaning if countries have the will to uphold it. According to him, that will has been tested many times, but the world has still failed to show a firm stance.
At the end of his statement, Anies expressed condolences to the fallen TNI soldier in the incident and prayers for the family left behind. He also prayed for the recovery of the injured soldier.
“To the fallen TNI soldier, farewell, Hero. Our prayers are with you, as well as with the family left behind. To the injured one, may you recover quickly. Indonesia mourns, but we are confident that Indonesia will not remain silent,” he concluded.