Sultan HB X Urges UN to Investigate Deaths of TNI Soldiers
The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) joined in welcoming the bodies of two TNI soldiers, Kopda Farizal and Serka Nur Ichwan, at Adisutjipto Air Base in Yogyakarta on Saturday night, 4 April 2026. The Sultan of the Yogyakarta Palace conveyed profound condolences for the fallen TNI soldiers, who were part of the peacekeeping force in Lebanon at the end of March.
The Sultan stressed that the deaths of TNI soldiers during an international assignment represent a major loss for Indonesia. “I offer my condolences. But for me, incidents like this must not happen again,” the Sultan said after attending the body reception ceremony.
The Sultan highlighted the importance of consistently implementing international agreements, particularly those related to security protocols and protection for personnel carrying out duties under the United Nations (UN) banner.
“Commitment to international rules must be enforced strictly to ensure the safety of peacekeepers sent to various conflict areas around the world,” the Sultan stated.
Furthermore, the Sultan urged the UN to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident that led to the deaths of three TNI soldiers in Lebanon. He emphasised the importance of accurate identification to determine whether the event resulted from technical negligence or intentional actions by certain parties.
This demand was made to ensure clear justice for the soldiers and their bereaved families. “Our demand is there, to the UN, to properly identify this incident as due to negligence or intent,” the Sultan said.
The death of Kopda Farizal in the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) in Lebanon has left deep sorrow in the TNI corps. The Commander of the 25/Siwah-Aceh Infantry Brigade, Colonel Infantry Dimar Bahtera, Farizal’s superior, revealed the chronology of the event that claimed Farizal’s life on Sunday, 29 March 2026.
“At that time, the late soldier was performing the Isha prayer at a mosque located near the UNIFIL post or compound. Then a mortar or artillery shell fell right next to the place of worship,” he said in Kulon Progo on Friday, 3 April 2026.
Dimar recalled that before being assigned to Lebanon since April 2025, Farizal had carried out domestic duties in Papua. His success in that operational field then became important capital when he underwent strict selection for the UNIFIL mission.
“For overseas assignments, it was indeed one of the late soldier’s aspirations. Before being able to take on overseas duties, he first completed domestic tasks in Papua and succeeded,” he said.
The late soldier, according to Dimar, was known as an accomplished soldier and a role model with high dedication during his service in the unit. “So the late soldier (in Aceh) also served as provos; provos are personnel with greater dedication and discipline compared to other soldiers,” Dimar said.
Dimar revealed that Farizal was a comrade who was highly respected by both seniors and superiors. “The late soldier was a role model for his juniors, including his seniors. We often entrusted him with guiding his juniors,” Dimar added.