Indonesia has urged the United Nations to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of safety protocols for its peacekeeping forces operating across all global deployment areas. This call was underscored by Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono on Sunday, following the recent deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Minister Sugiono expressed the Indonesian government’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of its personnel as they carry out their entrusted duties. He had previously stated on Saturday at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport that the government extended its deepest condolences over the loss of Major (posthumous) Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Chief Sergeant (posthumous) Muhammad Nur Ichwan, and Second Corporal (posthumous) Farizal Rhomadhon.
In addition to the three fatalities, the minister disclosed that three other Indonesian Armed Forces personnel sustained injuries during the mission. He noted that the precise cause of the incident leading to the casualties and injuries remains under investigation.
Following the tragic event, the Indonesian government formally requested the UN Security Council to convene a meeting specifically to address the critical issue of personnel safety. This request was subsequently approved by France, which currently serves as the designated ‘penholder’ for matters concerning Lebanon within the Security Council.
Minister Sugiono issued a strong condemnation of the attacks directed at peacekeepers, particularly those within the UNIFIL mission. He demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances, emphasizing that such attacks against peacekeeping forces are entirely unjustifiable and necessitate robust safety guarantees for all deployed personnel.
He further clarified the fundamental role of these forces, explaining that their mandate is for “peacekeeping, not peacemaking.” He highlighted that peacekeepers are not equipped or trained for combat operations, but rather with the specific resources and skills intended for the maintenance of peace.
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