Three TNI Soldiers Fall in Lebanon, MPR Chairman: Israel Violates UN Mandate
The Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, Ahmad Muzani, has strongly condemned Israel’s military attack that killed three TNI soldiers while carrying out a UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. Representing the 732 members of the assembly, Muzani described the action as a barbaric act against personnel fulfilling the constitutional mandate.
The three soldiers who fell in the incident are Captain Inf Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Staff Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan, and Private Farizal Rhomadhon.
“The MPR RI leadership strongly condemns Israel’s extremely barbaric action against our best sons and daughters who were carrying out a peacekeeping mission. This is a constitutional duty and responsibility in maintaining world peace in accordance with the UN mandate,” said Muzani at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (31/3).
Urges Firm UN Sanctions
Muzani urged the UN Security Council to immediately take concrete steps and not remain silent. He called on the international organisation to conduct a special investigation and impose firm sanctions on Israel for violating the peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL).
“They are serving there under the UN Security Council mandate. Therefore, the MPR extends its deepest condolences and urges the UN to immediately impose sanctions on Israel,” emphasised the Gerindra Party politician.
Suggests Troop Withdrawal
Considering the escalating conflict that increasingly endangers lives, Muzani suggested that the government consider withdrawing TNI troops from southern Lebanon. This step is seen as aligned with the constitutional mandate to protect the entire Indonesian nation.
“So that Indonesia withdraws its troops in that peacekeeping mission because this is an area that is highly dangerous for TNI safety, as occurred in southern Lebanon,” he added.
In addition to security aspects, the MPR encouraged the government to provide the highest possible recognition to the fallen and injured soldiers. Muzani also stressed the importance of welfare guarantees for the bereaved families as a form of respect for their service on the international stage.
Military expert Jaleswari Pramodhawardani stated that the fall of TNI soldiers in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission should not be responded to merely with condemnation but with a total evaluation.
The government cannot adopt a passive stance in responding to the incident, given that peacekeeping forces are under the protection of international law.
According to Muzani, the government must consider withdrawing troops when there is no safety guarantee in Lebanon.
Jusuf Kalla (JK) expressed condolences over the fall of TNI soldiers in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. He called them heroes of humanity and the pride of the Indonesian nation.
The presence of TNI in international peacekeeping missions is concrete evidence of Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining world order as mandated by the constitution.