JAKARTA - Minister of Culture (Menbud) Fadli Zon strongly condemned Israel's attack in South Lebanon which killed three TNI soldiers in a UN peacekeeping mission. He assessed that the attack not only took lives, but also threatened cultural heritage in conflict areas.
The statement was made following the death of TNI personnel who were on duty in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission. Fadli expressed his deepest condolences to the victims' families, the TNI, and all parties affected.
"This tragedy cannot be separated from Israel's heinous attack in South Lebanon," Fadli said in a written statement received in Jakarta, Tuesday, March 31. He also prayed for the recovery of injured personnel.
According to Fadli, the soldiers carried out the mandate of maintaining peace and protecting civilians in the midst of conflict. This loss reminds us that peace missions require full protection in accordance with international law.
He highlighted the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, which is considered to be expanding the impact, not only for the safety of civilians, but also on the existence of cultural sites and intangible heritage.
"Armed conflict not only damages buildings, but also erodes the memory, identity, and values that are passed down across generations," he said.
Fadli emphasized that the protection of cultural heritage is a moral and international legal obligation, referring to the 1954 Hague Convention. He reminded that the destruction of cultural sites would deepen social trauma and hinder the reconciliation process.
The Ministry of Culture, he continued, asked all parties to respect international humanitarian law, protect peacekeepers, and prevent attacks on cultural sites, including looting and vandalism.
Indonesia also supports international efforts, including those carried out by UNESCO, in protecting cultural sites in conflict areas.
Fadli emphasized that the loss of human life and the destruction of cultural heritage were a major wound for humanity. Indonesia, said the Minister, remains committed to peace and the protection of cultural heritage as part of world civilization.
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