Questioning Security, Commission I of the DPR asks the Government to evaluate the involvement of the TNI in Lebanon

JAKARTA - Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives TB Hasanuddin, questioned the safety of TNI soldiers who were part of the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) after three soldiers were again injured due to an explosion that occurred in El Adeisse, South Lebanon on Friday, April 3. He asked the government to evaluate the involvement of the TNI in Lebanon because this incident added to the long list of risks faced by Indonesian peacekeepers in conflict areas.

TB Hasanuddin emphasized that the government must respond to this incident seriously by focusing on two main aspects, namely a thorough investigation and concrete mitigation measures.

"The government must immediately encourage a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation. The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations needs to lodge a formal appeal to the UN Security Council and the UN Secretariat to thoroughly investigate this incident," said TB Hasanuddin, Monday, April 6.

The PDIP politician also emphasized that the focus of the investigation must be able to determine whether the explosion was the result of an unintentional escalation of the conflict or a form of violation of international law.

"The focus of the investigation must ensure whether this is purely the impact of the conflict or there is an element of intention. If it is proven that there has been an attack on peacekeepers, then it is a serious violation and can be categorized as a war crime," he said.

In addition, TB Hasanuddin also asked the Indonesian government to be firm in international forums. According to him, attacks on UN attributes and personnel cannot be tolerated and must be followed by full accountability from those responsible.

On the other hand, he reminded the importance of the active role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in overseeing the investigation process. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must closely monitor all stages of the investigation by UNIFIL, from collecting evidence, data analysis, to verifying the chronology of events," he said.

"In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must also ensure that the rights of injured soldiers are fulfilled and continue to exert diplomatic pressure so that this process can be completed," added the West Java representative.

Furthermore, TB Hasanuddin highlighted the importance of a thorough evaluation of the TNI's security system in Lebanon. He asked the TNI Headquarters to immediately review operational procedures and personnel protection in the field.

"The evaluation must include reviewing the position of the post to be in a safer zone, increasing physical protection at the base, and tightening SOPs when there is an escalation around the duty area," he said.

TB Hasanuddin also reminded that the government needs to seriously consider the sustainability of Indonesia's involvement in the UNIFIL mission if the situation continues to deteriorate.

"If our presence there no longer provides significant benefits and actually harms TNI soldiers, while the parties on the ground are not cooperative and the UN looks weak, then the option to withdraw troops must begin to be seriously considered," said Mayjend Purnawirawan TNI.

Even so, TB Hasanuddin emphasized that Indonesia's commitment to world peace remains important, but should not sacrifice the safety of soldiers.

"The safety of soldiers is the top priority. International commitments must continue to be carried out, but with careful calculations and maximum protection for each of our personnel," he concluded.

It is known that three TNI soldiers who are part of the UN peacekeeping force or UNIFIL were again injured due to an explosion that occurred in El Adeisse, South Lebanon on Friday, April 3. Two of the three soldiers suffered serious injuries and have been evacuated to the hospital. However, the origin of the explosion has not been detected.

"We do not know the origin of the explosion," UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said in a statement, quoted on Saturday, April 4.