Vice President Gibran Mourns the Deaths of Three TNI Soldiers in Lebanon, Conveys This
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has conveyed deep condolences over the deaths of three Indonesian National Army (TNI) soldiers who were carrying out a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. The three were part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping contingent.
In a written statement released on Wednesday (1/4/2026), Gibran expressed the highest respect for the dedication of those soldiers.
“I convey my deepest condolences over the deaths of Captain Inf. Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Staff Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan, and Private First Class Farizal Rhomadhon in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon,” the official statement read.
Gibran also emphasised the importance of follow-up steps to thoroughly investigate the incident. He stated full support for the United Nations investigation and ensured that the repatriation of the bodies would be handled properly.
“I fully support a thorough investigation by the UN and careful handling in accordance with the President’s directives, including maximum efforts regarding the repatriation process of the bodies,” he continued.
Indonesia Demands Investigation and Firm Action
This incident occurred amid rising escalation of conflict in southern Lebanon. The Indonesian government immediately took a firm stance by strongly condemning the attack that caused casualties among the peacekeeping forces.
In the United Nations Security Council forum, Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Umar Hadi, emphasised that attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable.
“We cannot accept the murder of these peacekeepers,” he stated firmly.
Indonesia also urged a transparent international investigation and demanded that the perpetrators be held legally accountable. Furthermore, Indonesia called on the UN Security Council to promptly take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
In addition to the three soldiers who died, the attack also caused five other TNI personnel to sustain injuries. They are currently receiving medical treatment.
Umar Hadi also emphasised that this incident was triggered by the ongoing escalation of conflict driven by Israeli actions in Lebanon. Indonesia expressed its solidarity with the Lebanese government and people.
“Indonesia strongly condemns the Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, which constitute a serious violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
The Indonesian government highlighted that this incident is not merely an ordinary event but part of a broader escalation of conflict in the Middle East region. Therefore, all involved parties are urged to respect international humanitarian law.
The government reaffirmed that the safety of peacekeeping forces must be the top priority. Indonesia also requested security guarantees from all conflict parties to ensure no further attacks on UN personnel.