PKB and Democrat Push for Option to Withdraw TNI from Lebanon
Members of Commission I of the House of Representatives from the PKB Faction, Oleh Soleh, has requested that the TNI consider the option of withdrawing Indonesia’s peacekeeping troops in Lebanon (UNIFIL) following the incident in which three soldiers were killed in an Israeli attack.
Soleh assessed that the government must respond seriously to the incident. According to him, the case must be thoroughly and transparently investigated.
“This is not just an ordinary incident. The fall of TNI soldiers in a peacekeeping mission is a serious matter that must receive special attention from the state,” said Soleh in his statement on Monday (6/4).
He stated that the issue must be discussed in Commission I of the House of Representatives as the government’s partner in defence matters. According to him, the House of Representatives will consider several options, including evaluating and encouraging the TNI to withdraw its troops.
“One of them is the possibility of withdrawing all TNI soldiers from the UNIFIL mission. The point is, this assignment must be seriously evaluated following the deaths of our three soldiers,” said Soleh.
Soleh assessed that the incident serves as a harsh blow to Indonesia, not only in the UN peacekeeping force but also in involvement with the Board of Peace (BoP) established by Donald Trump.
According to Soleh, Indonesia could potentially become a victim again in Gaza if the incident in Lebanon is not responded to firmly.
“In the future, the government must truly consider security and safety aspects for soldiers before deciding on involvement in peacekeeping missions in active conflict areas,” he said.
A similar stance was expressed by the Deputy Chair of Commission I of the House of Representatives from the Democrat Faction, Anton Sukartono Suratto.
He stated that the government could consider the proposal from Indonesia’s 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), who requested that the UN halt the UNIFIL assignment in Lebanon to prioritise soldier safety.
According to Anton, a comprehensive evaluation of the mission’s continuity, including the option to withdraw troops, constitutes the state’s responsibility.
“Indonesian troops are present not to wage war, but to maintain stability and support the peace process in conflict areas. Peacekeeping forces should be present in post-conflict areas, not during ongoing conflicts,” said Anton to reporters on Monday, quoted from detikcom.
Indonesia has urged the UN to activate emergency plans and evacuations to protect the Peacekeeping Troops in Lebanon (UNIFIL) following the incident in which three TNI soldiers were killed.
Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Umar Hadi, conveyed that statement during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday (31/3).
Amid rising hostilities, Umar emphasised that the UN Security Council and Secretary-General must immediately implement emergency measures to ensure full protection for UNIFIL personnel and assets.
“This includes reviewing security engagement protocols and activating appropriate emergency and evacuation plans in line with developments on the ground,” he said.
Meanwhile, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto has ordered TNI soldiers carrying out the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon to enter bunkers and refrain from outdoor activities.
Agus conducted a video call with the Commander of the XXIII-S/UNIFIL Mechanised Battalion Task Force in Lebanon and shared the moment on his personal Instagram.
“Maintain the morale of the soldiers there, continue to carry out internal security, enter the bunkers, no more outdoor activities, and keep the soldiers’ morale high so they remain enthusiastic, thank you, keep up the good work,” said Agus, quoted on Saturday (4/4).