Three TNI Members Killed in Lebanon, Government Demands Thorough Investigation

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Djamari Chaniago has affirmed that the government is demanding a thorough investigation into the incident that resulted in the deaths of three TNI members currently carrying out a peacekeeping mission with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Lebanon. “The government is also demanding a swift, transparent, and comprehensive UN investigation, and insists that the perpetrators must be held legally accountable without any immunity,” Djamari stated in a written statement on Thursday (2/4). He said that repeated attacks on TNI soldiers are unacceptable actions that reflect a low commitment to guaranteeing the safety of peacekeeping forces by the conflicting parties. “The government urges the UN Security Council to act firmly, united, and consistently in following up on the investigation results to ensure the safety of peacekeeping troops,” he said. Djamari stated that the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, in accordance with its role as the Director of the Peacekeeping Mission Coordination Team (TKMPP), will strengthen coordination and synergy with the Ministry of Defence, TNI, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “To ensure the safety of personnel in the assignment area, including through a review of security protocols adjusted to developments in the situation in the southern Lebanon conflict area,” he said. In total, three TNI soldiers serving with the peacekeeping force were killed in two attacks in southern Lebanon within a 24-hour period. The first attack occurred on Sunday (29/3) at the Indonesian unit’s post near the village of Adchit Al Qusayr, which killed Praka Farizal Rhomadhon. The second attack occurred on Monday (30/3) when an Indonesian troop vehicle was passing near Bani Hayyan. Captain Inf Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and Sergeant Major Muhammad Nur Ichwan were killed in the incident. The attacks also injured several personnel, with three wounded in the Sunday attack and two others in the Monday attack.