Indonesia and the UN Compact Condemn Israeli Attack Killing TNI Members

The MTF Konga XXVIII-O Task Force for the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) held a training. (Instagram @tni_angkatan_laut)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government together with the United Nations (UN) strongly condemns Israel's attack in South Lebanon which killed TNI members who were part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, which also injured three other members of the TNI, namely Praka Rico Pramudia, Praka Bayu Prakoso, and Praka Arif Kurniawan.

"Indonesia strongly condemns the incident and calls for a thorough and transparent investigation," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official statement via the X @Kemlu_RI account, Monday, March 30.

Previously, Israel and the Hezbollah group in southern Lebanon were reported to have attacked each other on Sunday, March 29. In the incident, an artillery attack did not directly hit the Indonesian contingent which was near Adchit Al-Qusayr, a municipality in southern Lebanon.

The Indonesian government calls on all parties to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Attacks that endanger civilians and infrastructure are urged to be stopped immediately.

"Indonesia continues to coordinate closely with the UN and relevant authorities, and carefully monitor the development of the situation," the Foreign Ministry added.

Indonesia also expressed its deep condolences for the death of one peacekeeper in the incident.

The government ensures that the highest respect will be given to the deceased's dedication and service in maintaining international peace.

"Our prayers and sympathies are with the families left behind, and we pray for the recovery of the injured personnel. Indonesia is working with UNIFIL to ensure that the repatriation of the bodies is carried out immediately and to provide the best medical care for the injured," concluded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the incident and expressed condolences to Indonesia.

"I express my deepest condolences to Indonesia and to the families, relatives, and colleagues who were left behind," Guterres said via his official X account.

Guterres assessed that the incident was part of a series of incidents that endangered the safety of peacekeepers.

"I call on all parties to abide by international law and ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times," he added.