Palace Expresses Condolences After Three TNI Soldiers Fall in Lebanon
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has expressed his deepest condolences over the deaths of three TNI soldiers who were part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Regarding the news of the deaths of three of our TNI soldiers who were carrying out duties as members of the peacekeeping force in Lebanon, representing the President, we the government convey our deepest condolences,” said Prasetyo in a video sent to the media on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
Prasetyo stated that the government has also conveyed its stance through Foreign Minister Sugiono regarding the incident.
The government, he said, regrets this incident and has requested that the relevant authorities conduct an investigation.
“We, as State Secretary, have also coordinated with the Minister of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the TNI Commander, in carrying out the best efforts for the repatriation of the bodies of the three fallen soldiers,” he said.
This coordination also provides directions to the soldiers still guarding UNIFIL.
“At the same time, providing briefing to all troops and soldiers still on duty in the field to increase vigilance. Once again, we certainly feel a great loss and deep sorrow,” said Prasetyo.
This adds to the list of fallen TNI soldiers, bringing the total to three members.
“In the incident, two TNI soldiers were reported killed, while two others suffered severe injuries. The injured soldiers are currently receiving intensive medical treatment at a health facility in Beirut,” said Head of Information of the Ministry of Defense Secretariat General Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait in a press release on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
He added that the incident occurred amid increasing intensity of fighting in the area.
To date, the exact cause of the incident is still being investigated by UNIFIL according to the applicable mechanisms.
The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Defense and TNI continues to coordinate with the UNIFIL headquarters to ensure the safety of all personnel and to guarantee the best handling for the victims.
“Evacuation and medical handling measures have also been carried out quickly in accordance with United Nations operational procedures,” he explained.
For information, the indirect artillery attack hit the position of the Indonesian contingent near Adchit Al Qusayr on Sunday (29/3/2026).
The incident occurred amid reports of exchanges of fire between the Israeli military and armed groups in southern Lebanon.