Sad News: Indonesian Hero Falls Again While Guarding Peace in Lebanon
Sad news has once again emerged from Lebanon. Indonesian National Army (TNI) soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have fallen in the line of duty.
Four TNI soldiers have perished as national heroes. They died while carrying out their mission to maintain peace in Lebanon.
The latest update was shared by UNIFIL via its X account @UNIFIL_. Corporal Rico Pramudia (31) passed away on Friday (24/4) at 10:32 local time, or 14:32 Western Indonesia Time.
Rico had been receiving treatment at St. George Hospital in Beirut after sustaining severe injuries from an attack in southern Lebanon on Sunday night (29/3) near Adchit Al Qusayr, southern Lebanon.
“UNIFIL regrets the passing of Corporal Rico Pramudia today, who was seriously injured due to a projectile explosion at the base where he was stationed in Adchit Al Qusayr on the night of 29 March,” stated UNIFIL on Friday (24/4/2026).
On that Sunday night (29/3), the attack, suspected to be from the Israeli military, also resulted in one TNI soldier being killed and two others injured. These TNI soldiers were part of Company C UNP 7-1 Task Force Yonmek XXIII-S/UNIFIL.
The following day, on Monday (30/3), the UN confirmed the deaths of two more TNI soldiers after an explosion struck a UNIFIL logistics convoy in Bani Hayyan, southern Lebanon.
The four fallen TNI soldiers are:
Corporal Farizal Rhomadhon
Corporal Rico Pramudia
Captain Inf Zulmi Aditya Iskandar
Staff Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ikhwan
The four injured TNI soldiers are:
Corporal Bayu Prakoso
Corporal Arif Kurniawan
Two TNI soldiers injured due to an explosion hitting the UNIFIL logistics convoy on Monday (30/3).
TNI Commander Expresses Condolences
TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto has conveyed deep condolences over the loss of the national hero serving with the UN Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon. The TNI Commander also granted an extraordinary posthumous promotion to Rico from Corporal to Lance Corporal.
“TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, along with all ranks, extends profound condolences over the passing of the nation’s finest soldier, Lance Corporal Rico Pramudia, while on duty as part of the TNI Yonmek Task Force Garuda XXIII-S/UNIFIL in Lebanon,” stated the TNI Information Centre via its Instagram account @puspentni on Saturday (25/4).
The TNI Information Centre stated that the late soldier’s dedication, bravery, and commitment serve as an example to all soldiers and the Indonesian nation. It emphasised that the services and sacrifices of these TNI personnel are eternal for the country.
“His passing is a great loss, but his fighting spirit will continue to live on as an inspiration in maintaining world peace,” it said.
“May the deceased attain the best place beside the Almighty God, and may his bereaved family be granted strength and fortitude,” it added.
Foreign Ministry Condemns Attacks on Peacekeeping Forces
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has expressed deep condolences over the incident. Kemlu also strongly condemned the attacks on peacekeeping forces.
“The Government of the Republic of Indonesia extends profound condolences over the passing of Corporal Rico Pramudia, an Indonesian soldier in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission, who suffered severe injuries from Israeli tank artillery fire near the town of Adchit Al Qusayr on 29 March 2026,” read the official statement from Kemlu RI on Friday (24/4).
Kemlu noted that the Indonesian Government, through intensive coordination with UNIFIL, the Lebanese Government, and medical teams in Beirut, has ensured that medical treatment was provided swiftly and optimally. Various best medical measures were taken, but due to the severe injuries, Corporal Rico’s life could not be saved.
“The Government extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family. The state is present to provide the highest honours for the deceased in recognition of his dedication and sacrifice in maintaining world peace. The Government continues to coordinate with UNIFIL to ensure the repatriation of the remains can be carried out promptly and with full respect,” it said.
Furthermore, Kemlu RI strongly condemned the Israeli attacks that led to the death of the Indonesian peacekeeper. Kemlu described attacks on peacekeeping personnel as serious violations of international law.
“Indonesia once again strongly condemns the Israeli attacks that caused the death of the Indonesian peacekeeper. Attacks on peacekeeping personnel constitute serious violations of international law and can be categorised as war crimes,” it stated.
Kemlu RI continues to urge the UN to conduct a thorough, transparent, and accountable investigation to uncover the facts and ensure accountability for the incident.
“The safety and security of UN peacekeepers cannot be compromised. Therefore, the Government is also continuing to coordinate with the UN and troop-contributing countries to strengthen protection for all personnel in the field, including through a comprehensive evaluation of safety and security aspects as well as enhanced risk mitigation measures in the UNIFIL area of operations,” it added.