Three Soldiers Fall, Government Ensures Smooth Repatriation Process
The Government of the Republic of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu RI), has assured that the repatriation process for three Indonesian peacekeeping personnel who perished in Lebanon will be carried out to the maximum extent possible amid the ongoing conflict situation.
The three soldiers fell in an attack that occurred on 29 and 30 March 2026. The government has conveyed its deepest condolences over their passing, which is felt not only by their families but by the entire Indonesian society.
On 2 April 2026, a farewell and honour ceremony for the remains was held at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut. The ceremony was led directly by the UNIFIL Force Commander as a final tribute to the soldiers’ service and dedication in maintaining world peace.
In its statement, the government emphasised that intensive coordination continues with the United Nations to ensure the repatriation process runs smoothly.
“In this atmosphere of deep concern, the Indonesian government continues to coordinate closely with the United Nations to ensure the repatriation process can proceed quickly, safely, and smoothly,” stated Kemenlu RI, as reported on Friday (3/4).
The government targets the return of the remains to be completed in the first week of April 2026, although conditions on the ground remain challenging.
The repatriation process from a conflict zone is considered not easy. Under normal conditions, the journey from Beirut to Jakarta takes at least 17 hours. However, the increasing intensity of armed contacts, including attacks in southern Lebanon, has limited mobility and heightened risks.
“Under normal conditions, the journey from Beirut to Jakarta takes at least 17 hours. However, at present, the intensity of armed contacts at various points in the region, including due to increased Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, not only causes movement restrictions but also turns every step into a gamble for safety,” the statement continued.
The Indonesian government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the repatriation process proceeds as best as possible as a final honour to the fallen soldiers.
“Repatriation is a final honour to the fallen soldiers, as well as a manifestation of the state’s responsibility to the families left behind,” emphasised Kemenlu RI.
The three soldiers who perished are Captain Infantry Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Sergeant One Muhammad Nur, and Leading Soldier Farizal Rhomadhon. They were part of Indonesia’s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
Their dedication is regarded as a tangible manifestation of Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining world peace, in accordance with the mandate of the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution.
The government also noted that support and condolences from various international parties serve as evidence of recognition of Indonesia’s contributions to global peacekeeping missions.
Prayers and support from Indonesian society are hoped to continue accompanying the repatriation process of the soldiers, as a tribute to their service to the nation and the international community. They also called on all parties to exercise restraint from actions that could endanger peacekeepers.
The Palestinian government envoy conveyed condolences to the family of the late Captain Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, who fell during the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
The remains of the three TNI soldiers who perished in southern Lebanon while carrying out a peacekeeping mission with UNIFIL will be flown back to the homeland on Friday (3/4) or Saturday (4/4).
The UN is deemed to take firm steps, from thorough investigations to imposing sanctions on those responsible.
Rizki Aulia Rahman Natakusumah strongly condemned the attack that injured three TNI soldiers who are members of the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) in Lebanon.
The government is providing assistance to the families of the TNI soldiers who fell in Lebanon.
Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), TB Hasanuddin, urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) to actively push the UN Security Council to conduct an investigation regarding the deaths of the three TNI soldiers in Lebanon.
Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan HB X, expressed condolences over the TNI soldiers carrying out a peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon.
MER-C Indonesia conveyed condolences over the deaths of three TNI personnel who were carrying out duties as peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. The three soldiers fell at the Unifil headquarters.
Military expert Jaleswari Pramodhawardani stated that the deaths of TNI soldiers in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission should not be responded to merely with condemnation but with a total evaluation.