TNI Soldiers Fall in Lebanon, DPR Urges Comprehensive Evaluation of Troop Assignments in Peacekeeping Mission

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the DPR RI Dave Laksono has expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of two TNI soldiers during the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. He has simultaneously urged a comprehensive evaluation of the assignment of Indonesian forces in the conflict zone. “With a very heavy and sad heart, I once again extend my condolences to, this time, two TNI soldiers. One is an officer, the other a non-commissioned officer, who were killed by a landmine. And when an evacuation was attempted, they were showered with armed attacks,” Dave said when met by the media in the Senayan parliamentary complex on Tuesday (31/3/2026). According to him, risks in assignments in conflict areas are always present. However, the incident should not have occurred because TNI soldiers are assigned to a peacekeeping mission, not to fight in a war zone. Dave emphasised the need for an in-depth evaluation of the presence of TNI troops in Lebanon, including rotation schemes and changes in operational patterns. “At the same time, I continue to call for an in-depth evaluation, a re-evaluation of our soldiers’ presence there,” he stated. He mentioned that the planned troop rotation in May should serve as a momentum to review the assignment. Whether to gradually reduce the numbers, or change operations to remain within the base or other options. “That is up to TNI Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence to remap the tasks and operations of our soldiers in Lebanon. Clearly, the safety of the soldiers must be prioritised, and the clarity of their operations,” he explained. Furthermore, Dave also opened the possibility of temporarily halting operations if the situation is deemed unsafe, given the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Regarding the attack that killed the TNI soldiers, the DPR has also requested a comprehensive and open investigation, including allegations of war law violations. “Why did this attack happen? Who planted the landmine and why could it be crossed by our patrol? This can be said to be a war violation. There must be an investigation involving all parties and conducted openly so that justice and the safety of our soldiers are truly upheld,” Dave said. Nevertheless, he emphasised that decisions regarding troop withdrawal are under the authority of TNI Headquarters. The DPR will await the official stance of the TNI Commander after obtaining complete and accurate information.